The Hawkeyes are going to be even more shorthanded against Maryland on Saturday. Sources confirmed to HawkeyeInsider.com and 247Sports that star cornerback Jermari Harris has opted out.
The Hawkeyes will be even more depleted when they face Maryland on Saturday. Sources have informed HawkeyeInsider.com and 247Sports that star cornerback Jermari Harris will miss the game and has chosen to opt out of the remainder of the regular season to focus on preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Additionally, sources revealed that Harris has been dealing with an injury throughout the season, and this time off will allow him to rest, rehabilitate, and fully prepare for the NFL combine.
Harris decided to return for a sixth season of eligibility and has been Iowa’s most consistent and outstanding defensive back. He concludes his 2024 season with 27 tackles, three interceptions (including one pick-six), and seven pass deflections.
Ferentz commented earlier this season, “He’s put in a lot of effort. He’s a really thoughtful young man with a lot on his mind, which is a positive. Part of this comes from being older, as he now sees a broader perspective than he did four years ago. He’s been a strong leader and is performing well for us on the field.”
Harris received a late offer during his recruiting process but was committed to attending Iowa after researching the program’s history with defensive backs.
“While doing my research, I realized that many successful athletes share a similar background to mine: they were two-star or three-star recruits who played multiple sports,” Harris said about his decision to join Iowa. “I knew that Iowa was the place for me, even though people thought I was crazy since I had just started playing football. I just focused on doing what I needed to do every day.”
Harris has had a particularly unique journey throughout his career. He had a breakout performance in the 2021 season and was expected to shine in 2022, but an injury sidelined him for the entire year. In 2023, he faced a two-game suspension due to his connection to the gambling investigation involving Iowa Athletics. Despite these challenges, he worked hard to bounce back and has become a key leader in Iowa’s defense, particularly within the young defensive back group.
This season, he has emerged as Iowa’s top cornerback following Cooper DeJean’s departure to the NFL. The Hawkeyes will face a tough test against Maryland, which features Tai Felton, the leading receiver in the Big Ten. Iowa will look to Deshaun Lee to rise to the occasion and help contain Felton.
Felton is among the fastest receivers in the Big Ten and has significantly contributed to Edwards’ performance, breaking the school record for catches in a single season. According to 247Sports’ Jeff Ermann, the offense primarily revolves around him.
Iowa is scheduled to play Maryland on Saturday at 11 a.m. Jackson Stratton, who was Iowa’s fourth-string quarterback at the season’s start, is set to make his first start as a Hawkeye.
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