After selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals had high expectations for the former Ohio State Buckeyes wideout. While the young receiver had a decent rookie campaign, he struggled in his second year after a few injuries sidelined him for five games.
Now, with the Cardinals going in a new direction under center after releasing former first overall pick Kyler Murray in the offseason, it seems Harrison has developed some early chemistry with Arizona’s new quarterbacks, scoring a touchdown in his first preseason appearance.
Fans Applaud Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. After an Early Preseason Touchdown
While he had an okay rookie year, Harrison took a step back in 2025, catching 41 of 73 targets for 608 yards and four touchdowns. He hasn’t quite reached the potential many in the Cardinals organization thought he would be when the franchise drafted him fourth overall.
Videos of Harrison struggling in training camp also went viral last month, which put more pressure on the wideout ahead of his third season.
Arizona has turned to veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew to lead the team while they wait for 2026 draft selection Carson Beck to get up to speed. However, after an impressive Hall of Fame game appearance, some think Beck could be starting sooner rather than later. Yet it doesn’t seem to matter who’s under center, as Harrison made his presence felt early in the 2026 preseason.
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The Las Vegas Raiders struck first, scoring a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. But Arizona would answer as Brissett led the Cardinals down the field on a 10-play, 73-yard drive, finding Harrison in the end zone for a seven-yard touchdown.
Marvin Harrison Jr. for 6!
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/veLsiXMlsY
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2026
This is a promising sign for the Cardinals, as Arizona needs Harrison to be the lead wideout for the offense this season.
Despite being drafted fourth overall in 2024, Harrison ranked 42nd in PFN’s WR Impact Metric with an impact score of 73.7, almost 20 spots behind fellow Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson.
While he didn’t perform as well in the WR Impact metric, he was 13th in the NFL in EPA per target last season.
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s PFN WR Impact grade was underwhelming, but he ranked 13th in the NFL in EPA per target last season. 👀 pic.twitter.com/BVrRxGlXCz
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) August 14, 2026
Fans across the NFL world were impressed by the early touchdown catch from Harrison, with Barstool’s Unbiased Ev posting on X, “Very much here for a Marvin Harrison Jr ‘Y’all must’ve forgot’ year.”
Very much here for a Marvin Harrison Jr “Y’all must’ve forgot” year
— Unbiased Ev (@DoubleVodkaDon) August 14, 2026
Ian Hartitz of Rotowire was also impressed by the touchdown catch, changing his fantasy rankings on the fly as he explained, “Just moved Marvin Harrison Jr. up to WR8 based on this alone.”
Just moved Marvin Harrison Jr. up to WR8 based on this alone https://t.co/MCPrDaJ0NJ
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) August 14, 2026
FanDuel Sportsbook’s account on X shared the video of Harrison’s touchdown and said, “MARVIN HARRISON JR. MIGHT BE BACK.”
NFL reporter Mike Garafolo added, “Cardinals taking the Maserati out for a preseason drive.”
#AZCardinals taking the Maserati out for a preseason drive. pic.twitter.com/Ytu05BwZso
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 14, 2026
Nico also praised the Cardinals’ wideout and wrote, “Marv ran away from a great athlete in Darien Porter 🤫. What a throw by Jacoby.”
While there aren’t the highest of expectations for Arizona in the 2026 season as they undergo a bit of a rebuild, Harrison turning the corner and becoming the offensive cornerstone the Cardinals believed he would be in 2024 would be a huge boost as first-year head coach Mike LaFleur tries to build up a contender.
