From Columbus to Cash: Which Ohio State Star is Set to Break the Bank in the NFL?

The NFL Draft is always full of excitement—dreams come true, new careers begin, and for a lucky few, a whole lot of money is on the table. Every year, some standout rookies leave college with so much talent that NFL teams are ready to pay big—sometimes before those players even take their first snap in the league. And this year, there’s one name getting a lot of buzz: a former Ohio State star who’s about to make a team open their checkbook in a big way.

Ohio State University is known for producing top football talent year after year. Their players often go on to become stars in the NFL, from Ezekiel Elliott powering through defenses to Garrett Wilson making highlight-reel catches. The Buckeyes have a strong track record, and now, one of their latest standouts—either fresh from the draft or a young player ready for a big contract extension—is turning heads. With the right mix of talent, performance, and timing, he’s in a perfect spot to land one of the biggest deals we’ve seen in a while.

Who are we talking about? The contenders and the dark horses.

Before we zero in on the top candidate, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Ohio State has been sending a ton of elite talent to the NFL in recent years. Could the next big payday go to a powerful defensive lineman, a shutdown cornerback, or a playmaking wide receiver? Each of these positions has its own value in today’s game—and the best players at each spot are now getting paid more than ever before.

• Marvin Harrison Jr.: A name that immediately springs to mind. “Maserati Marv” entered the NFL Draft as arguably the most polished wide receiver prospect in a generation. His combination of size, speed, route-running prowess, and elite hands made him a can’t-miss prospect. Wide receiver contracts have exploded in recent years, with top players now earning north of $30 million annually. If Harrison lives up to even a fraction of his immense potential, a contract extension after his rookie deal, or even a restructured deal earlier, could set new benchmarks. Teams are desperate for legitimate No. 1 receivers, and Harrison possesses all the tools to be that guy for a decade.
• Garrett Wilson: Already in the NFL, Wilson has established himself as a legitimate superstar for the New York Jets. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, he’s consistently put up impressive numbers, showcasing his elite route running, contested-catch ability, and YAC (yards after catch) potential. He’s still on his rookie deal, but as he approaches his extension eligibility, the Jets will be faced with a significant financial decision. If he continues his trajectory, his next contract could easily put him among the highest-paid receivers in the league, forcing the Jets to “open the checkbook” wide.
• C.J. Stroud: While not a “former” Ohio State star in the sense of having just been drafted, Stroud’s meteoric rise in the NFL as the Houston Texans’ quarterback makes him a prime candidate for a historic second contract. Quarterback contracts are in a league of their own. If Stroud continues to develop and leads the Texans to sustained success, his extension will undoubtedly be one of the largest in NFL history, easily surpassing previous records. He’s already shown he has the leadership, accuracy, and poise to be a franchise quarterback.
• Nick Bosa: A few years removed from his Ohio State days, Bosa is already one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. However, the market for elite pass rushers is constantly escalating. If Bosa continues his dominant play and the salary cap continues to rise, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could seek another market-setting deal in the future, prompting the 49ers to once again dig deep.

While all these players are phenomenal talents, the one generating the most recent buzz regarding a potential “open checkbook” scenario, specifically relating to an incoming or very recent player, is Marvin Harrison Jr. His draft stock was astronomical, and the expectation is that he will immediately step into an NFL offense and be a game-changer. The Arizona Cardinals, who drafted him, made it clear they view him as a foundational piece.

Why Marvin Harrison Jr. is poised for a record-breaking deal (eventually):

1. Unparalleled Collegiate Production: Harrison consistently dominated at Ohio State, showcasing a complete skill set. He wasn’t just a physical specimen; he ran precise routes, had incredible body control, and displayed an uncanny ability to make highlight-reel catches. This translates directly to NFL success.
2. Position Value Explosion: As mentioned, the wide receiver market has exploded. Teams are realizing that a true No. 1 receiver can elevate an entire offense, provide a security blanket for a developing quarterback, and consistently move the chains. The demand for such players far outstrips the supply.
3. Youth and Longevity: Harrison is still very young, meaning a team investing in him is getting a player who could be an elite talent for the next decade or more. This longevity significantly increases his value.
4. Family Legacy: While not directly tied to contract value, his father, Marvin Harrison Sr., is a Hall of Fame wide receiver. This suggests a strong football IQ, an understanding of the demands of the professional game, and a natural feel for the position that often translates to accelerated development.
5. Impact on a Rebuilding Team: The Arizona Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase. Landing a talent like Harrison provides them with a cornerstone offensive piece to build around. This immediate impact and the potential to accelerate their rebuild make him even more valuable. Teams are willing to pay a premium for players who can be a franchise’s face.

The “Open Checkbook” Scenario Explained:

When we talk about an NFL team being forced to “open their checkbook,” it implies one of two things:

A historically large rookie contract (for his position): Rookie contracts are mostly set based on where a player is drafted, but there’s still room to negotiate. Things like guaranteed money and signing bonuses can make a big difference and boost a top pick’s overall deal within that pay range.

For someone like Marvin Harrison Jr., even though he’s still on a rookie contract, teams are already thinking about his future value. The belief that he’ll become a superstar is already influencing how the team plans ahead.

A record-setting second contract (or early extension): This is what most people mean when they talk about a team “opening the checkbook.” If a player plays at a high level during their rookie deal, the team will want to lock them in with a long-term contract before they hit free agency. At that point, the player has a lot of leverage. They’ve proven themselves, and if their current team doesn’t offer a top-dollar deal, other teams will gladly step in and pay up.

That kind of competition pushes the price even higher. For someone like Marvin Harrison Jr., if he puts together two or three big seasons, his agents will likely try to reset the market—asking for a contract bigger than any wide receiver has gotten before.

What does this mean for the Cardinals (or any future team)?

By drafting Marvin Harrison Jr., the Arizona Cardinals may have landed a once-in-a-generation talent. But it also means they’ll likely have to make a big financial commitment in the near future. If he plays up to expectations, the team will need to plan carefully to fit what could be a record-breaking condtract into their salary cap.

That means the Cardinals will have to make some tough choices—possibly letting go of other players, being more selective in free agency, or adjusting their draft plans. It’s a balancing act between building a winning team and paying your stars what they’re worth.

Beyond the Initial Contract: The Long-Term Impact

When a player forces a team to “open their checkbook,” it doesn’t just affect that one contract—it can shake up the entire market. If Marvin Harrison Jr. (or another Ohio State star) signs a deal worth $35 million a year as a wide receiver, that instantly becomes the new standard. Other top receivers looking for new deals will want something similar—or even more—pushing salaries higher across the board.

This just shows how much the business side of the NFL is changing. With more money coming in from TV deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales, the league’s salary cap keeps going up. That gives teams more room to pay their stars, but it also means they have to be smart about finding and keeping top talent. The stakes—and the paychecks—just keep getting bigger.

The Ohio State Legacy of Top-Tier Talent

The reason so many former Ohio State players are in this conversation says a lot about the program. It shows how good they are at finding top talent, developing their skills, and getting them ready for the NFL. With tough training, great coaching, and a super competitive atmosphere, Ohio State sets its players up for success at the next level. And that pipeline isn’t slowing down anytime soon—so don’t be surprised when future drafts are full of Buckeyes ready to earn big money in the NFL.

Conclusion: A Sign of What’s to Come

Whether it’s Marvin Harrison Jr. making an immediate impact and setting himself up for a huge second contract, Garrett Wilson climbing the ranks and aiming for a big-time extension, or C.J. Stroud turning into one of the highest-paid players in the league, one thing is clear: former Ohio State stars are leading the way when it comes to big NFL money.

When we say a team is ready to “open the checkbook,” it’s not just about writing a big check. It shows just how valuable these players are to their teams. It’s about recognizing top talent, managing money wisely, and understanding how fast the business side of football is changing. For fans, it’s exciting to see these star players get the pay they deserve. For teams, it’s all about investing in the right players to chase a Super Bowl. So buckle up—an Ohio State player is about to land a jaw-dropping deal.