In a year filled with outstanding performances and notable achievements, Ohio State University's football program has once again proven its dominance on the national stage. Marvin Harrison Jr. is currently in New York City as a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, marking the Buckeyes' eighth representative in the award's history.

The Heisman Trophy, widely regarded as the most coveted individual award in college football, will be presented for the 89th time this Saturday night. Alongside Harrison Jr., other notable finalists include Bo Nix from Oregon, Jayden Daniels from LSU, and Michael Penix Jr. from Washington.

Harrison Jr., a receiver for Ohio State, hopes to follow in the footsteps of the seven previous Buckeyes who have claimed the Heisman Trophy. The program's illustrious list of winners includes Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, Archie Griffin (twice), Eddie George, and Troy Smith. This ties Ohio State with Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and USC for the most Heisman Trophy winners in college football history.

While the last Buckeye to capture the prestigious award was quarterback Troy Smith in 2006, Ohio State has become a regular presence in New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Harrison Jr.'s nomination marks the sixth time in the past seven years that a Buckeye player has been named a finalist. Despite falling short of claiming the trophy, players like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, Chase Young, and C.J. Stroud have all relished the honor of being considered among the best in the nation.

Reflecting on Ohio State's remarkable recent history with Heisman Trophy finalists, it is impossible to overlook the impact of quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Haskins, who took over as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback after a fierce battle with Joe Burrow, had an exceptional season in 2018. He proved his mettle by completing an impressive 70 percent of his passes for a staggering 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns, with just eight interceptions.

Haskins' remarkable performance earned him several accolades, including the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year, Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year, Chicago Tribune Silver Football, and Male Ohio State Athlete of the Year awards. Moreover, he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting for that year, solidifying his status as one of Ohio State's finest players.

Following in Haskins' footsteps, Justin Fields emerged as another standout quarterback for the Buckeyes. Recruited from Georgia through the transfer portal, Fields quickly made an impact in his first year with Ohio State. With a completion rate of 67.2 percent, he threw for 3,273 yards and 41 touchdowns, while only being intercepted thrice. Fields also showcased his mobility by rushing for 484 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.

Fields, like Haskins, garnered recognition for his outstanding talent and contributed significantly to Ohio State's success. Named the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year and Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year, Fields also received first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors in 2019. His third-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting further validated his impact on the field.

In addition to their remarkable quarterbacks, the Buckeyes have had a formidable presence on the defensive side of the ball. Chase Young, a dominant force as a defensive end in 2019, amassed impressive statistics that solidified his reputation as one of the best in the nation. Recording 46 total tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 16.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and three passes defended, Young showcased his exceptional skill set.

Young's extraordinary performance earned him multiple awards, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Ted Hendricks Award, and Chicago Tribune Silver Football. He was also named a finalist for the Walter Camp Award and the Maxwell Award, capturing the attention of college football enthusiasts nationwide. Young's fourth-place finish in the 2019 Heisman Trophy voting marked a rare recognition for a defensive player.

The 2020 season brought unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a shortened season for the Big Ten. Consequently, the Buckeyes did not have a Heisman Trophy finalist that year. However, Ohio State made a triumphant return in 2021 when C.J. Stroud assumed the starting quarterback position following Fields' departure for the NFL.

As a redshirt freshman, Stroud delivered an extraordinary performance, completing an impressive 71.9 percent of his passes and throwing for 44 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Notably, he became the only Buckeye quarterback in history to throw five touchdowns in a game against a Big Ten rival four times in a single season. His prowess on the field earned him the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year, Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year, and Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year titles.

In the most recent season, Stroud solidified his status as one of the nation's top players. Completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns, Stroud showcased exceptional skill and leadership. Despite facing adversity with his top receiver's injury early in the season, he remained a central figure in Ohio State's success. Stroud's outstanding performance earned him accolades such as the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year and the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year for the second time. Additionally, he received All-Big Ten and All-American honors and finished third in the 2022 Heisman Trophy voting.

The Buckeyes' consistent presence among the Heisman Trophy finalists reflects the program's commitment to excellence and the impact of its outstanding players. As Marvin Harrison Jr. represents Ohio State as a finalist for the 2022 Heisman Trophy, the entire Buckeye community eagerly awaits the outcome, hoping to add another chapter to their storied football legacy.