5 Shocking Facts About Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Madden 25 Rating And Controversial Inclusion

The highly anticipated Madden NFL 25 has officially hit the shelves, and with it comes the definitive, initial overall rating for arguably the most exciting rookie in the 2024 NFL Draft class: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. As of today, December 14, 2025, the debate rages among fans and analysts about whether EA Sports accurately captured the generational talent of the former Ohio State Buckeyes star with his launch rating. Beyond the numbers, Harrison Jr.'s journey to even be featured in the game was marked by a significant, unexpected controversy that briefly threatened his total exclusion from the title, adding a layer of drama to his virtual debut.

This deep dive breaks down the official numbers, reveals the surprising attributes that make him a virtual powerhouse, and explains the behind-the-scenes drama involving the NFLPA that made his inclusion in Madden 25 a major question mark right up until the game’s release. His overall rating is a starting point, but his specific attributes and X-Factor potential are what truly define his impact on the virtual gridiron.

Marvin Harrison Jr. Biography and Rookie Profile

Marvin Harrison Jr. is not just a highly-touted prospect; he is NFL royalty, the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison Sr. His pedigree and college career positioned him as the clear-cut top non-quarterback in the 2024 draft.

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• Full Name: Marvin Harrison Jr.
• Born: August 11, 2002
• Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• College: Ohio State University (Buckeyes)
• Position: Wide Receiver (WR)
• Draft Status: 2024 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 4th Overall Pick
• NFL Team: Arizona Cardinals
• College Honors: Unanimous All-American (2022, 2023), Fred Biletnikoff Award Winner (2023), Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2023).
• Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
• Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)

Harrison Jr.'s college performance was nothing short of dominant, culminating in a 2023 season where he recorded 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. His combination of size, route running precision, and elite hands led many draft experts to rank him as the top overall player in the 2024 class, regardless of position.

The Official Madden 25 Rookie Rating Reveal

The moment of truth for all incoming rookies is the unveiling of their initial Madden overall rating (OVR). For Marvin Harrison Jr., EA Sports set a high bar, reflecting his status as a top-five draft pick and an immediate impact player for the Arizona Cardinals.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the Highest-Rated Rookie in Madden 25

The official initial overall rating for Marvin Harrison Jr. in Madden NFL 25 is a 79 OVR. This places him in a tie for the highest-rated rookie in the entire 2024 class, sharing the top spot with Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Joe Alt. While a 79 OVR is a strong starting point, it immediately sparked debate, with many fans arguing that a player of his caliber deserved to break the 80 OVR threshold, a rare feat for a rookie.

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By comparison, other top 2024 rookies like tight end Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders) and edge rusher Dallas Turner (Minnesota Vikings) received ratings of 78 OVR and 77 OVR, respectively. Harrison Jr.'s 79 OVR rating is a testament to the high expectations EA Sports has for his immediate production alongside quarterback Kyler Murray in the Cardinals' offense.

Key Attributes and Archetypes

A player's OVR only tells part of the story; his individual attributes dictate how he truly performs on the field. For Harrison Jr., his ratings highlight his elite catching ability and versatility across the field:

• Spectacular Catch: This is Harrison Jr.'s best receiving attribute, emphasizing his ability to haul in difficult, acrobatic catches.
• Vertical Threat (93 OVR Archetype): His highest archetype rating, confirming his ability to stretch the field deep and win contested catches.
• Jump Ball (92 OVR Archetype): Reflects his size and body control, making him dominant in one-on-one situations.
• Slot (91 OVR Archetype): Demonstrates his versatility to run precise routes from the slot position.
• Possession (89 OVR Archetype): Indicates his reliable hands and ability to secure the catch in traffic.

The high ratings in these specific areas suggest that while his OVR is 79, his on-field performance, particularly in contested catch scenarios, will feel much higher, making him a must-have target in Franchise Mode and Ultimate Team.

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The Controversy: Why Marvin Harrison Jr. Was Almost Excluded

The most shocking element of Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Madden 25 journey was the serious possibility that he would not be in the game at all. This situation stemmed from a business decision made by the rookie prior to the 2024 NFL Draft.

The core issue revolved around the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) licensing agreement. To be featured in Madden, players must sign a contract with the NFLPA that grants EA Sports the rights to use their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

Declining the NFLPA Contract

Before the draft, it was widely reported that Marvin Harrison Jr. had chosen not to sign the NFLPA’s licensing contract. This decision was a major point of discussion in the media, as it meant that, technically, EA Sports did not have the rights to include his official name and likeness in Madden 25 at the time. The implication was that he might appear as a generic player—a "Placeholder WR"—without his name, face, or biography, similar to how college players were handled before the introduction of NIL deals.

The news created a firestorm among fans of the Arizona Cardinals and the Madden community, who feared the most exciting rookie would be absent from the launch roster.

Resolution and Inclusion

Fortunately for gamers, the situation was resolved, and Marvin Harrison Jr. is fully featured in the game with his name, correct rating, and likeness. While the exact details of the resolution were not made public, his eventual inclusion confirms that an agreement was reached, allowing EA Sports to license his NIL. The initial reports of his exclusion were based on the pre-draft status, but official rosters and gameplay videos released around the game's August 16, 2024, launch date confirmed his presence.

Despite his inclusion, some viral fan reactions noted an "awful depiction" of his player model in the initial build, suggesting his digital likeness needed significant updates post-launch. This visual glitch, combined with the earlier contract drama, only added to the unique and turbulent debut of Marvin Harrison Jr. in the world of virtual football.

What Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Rating Means for the Cardinals

The 79 OVR rating for Marvin Harrison Jr. has significant implications for the Arizona Cardinals in Madden 25 Franchise Mode and competitive play. The Cardinals, led by quarterback Kyler Murray, now possess a dynamic receiving threat that immediately boosts their offensive potential.

Harrison Jr. is expected to be the immediate WR1, providing a high-OVR, reliable target who excels at contested catches—an area where Murray's playmaking style thrives. His presence will likely draw coverage away from other Cardinals receivers, such as Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch, opening up the entire offense.

As the highest-rated rookie, he is also a prime candidate for rapid rating increases. Players with high initial ratings and strong real-world performance are often the first to receive significant OVR boosts in the weekly roster updates that EA Sports releases throughout the NFL season. If Harrison Jr. meets his high expectations in his first year, he could easily climb into the low-to-mid 80s OVR by the end of the season, solidifying his status as a long-term star in the Madden universe.