Iowa football’s No. 1 cornerback Jermari Harris will not play the rest of the season for the Hawkeyes, per a report from David Eickholt of 247 Sports. Harris will opt out in preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft. 

A sixth-year senior from Chicago, Illinois, Harris has been the Hawkeyes’ best defensive back this season, posting three interceptions, 19 tackles, and a team-high seven pass defenses. 

Harris addressed the media on Tuesday but gave no indication of opting out. Iowa plays Maryland on Nov. 23. Third-year Deshaun Lee is Iowa’s other starting cornerback. Listed behind Harris on the depth chart is Jaylen Watson. A first-year from Detroit, Michigan, Watson saw action in seven games in 2024, recording five total tackles.

Another option at cornerback is junior TJ Hall, who started four games for the Hawkeyes this season and collected eight tackles. 

Regardless who starts in Harris’ stead, the Terrapins pose a steep challenge. Senior Tai Felton leads the Big Ten in catches and receiving yards with 86 and 1,040, respectively, while fellow senior Kaden Prather has 579 yards on 52 catches. 

Harris finished his collegiate career with 28 starts, 105 tackles, and eight interceptions.