Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback A.J. Harris has been projected as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft in ESPN’s latest mock draft. Harris, who transferred to Penn State after his freshman season in 2023 with the Georgia Bulldogs, is a former five-star recruit.
Matt Miller predicts Harris will be selected by the Washington Commanders with the No. 25 pick.
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Harris is coming off a great sophomore season with Penn State. He helped the Nittany Lions advance to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff and recorded 48 tackles, one interception and five pass deflections. Harris had a much larger role at Penn State than in 2023 with Georgia (eight tackles).
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback is a rising junior and has what it takes to play at the next level. Harris made a leap after his freshman season and should show significant improvement in his second year as the starter at Penn State.
What ESPN said about A.J. Harris
A.J. Harris of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts during the Orange Bowl
“Harris has shown ball-hawking skills and loves to press and jam receivers,” Miller said. “He’s still a bit green, having started only one season, but last season’s tape — along with Penn State’s track record in developing defenders — makes Harris one of the most promising corners in the country.”
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Losing Harris via the transfer portal hurt for Georgia. There’s no doubt he was one of Georgia’s most painful transfer exits in recent memory, joining quarterback Carson Beck and outside linebacker Damon Wilson after the 2024 season.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: UGA football transfer predicted to be first-round NFL draft pick