The Ohio State Buckeyes have had success recruiting and helping receivers reach the next level in recent seasons. If it uses him right, Chris Henry Jr. could be next in line for Ryan Day’s squad.
Diving Into How the Ohio State Buckeyes Can Set Chris Henry Jr. Up for Success
The Ohio State Buckeyes have become well-known for their development of receivers. In sophomore Jeremiah Smith, head coach Ryan Day’s program boasts the best wideout in the sport. Carnell Tate, Mylan Graham, and Brandon Inniss are also highly touted. Mater Dei (Calif.) wideout Chris Henry Jr., a Class of 2026 commit, is biding his time.
ESPN’s Tom Luginbill analyzed how Ohio State could use Henry once he arrives in Columbus. According to 247Sports, Henry is a five-star prospect and the No. 11 overall recruit in his crop. Only Tristen Keys, an LSU pledge, is ranked higher in the recruiting service’s composite rankings.
“To maximize his traits, the Buckeyes will need to deploy Henry on the outside,” Luginbill wrote Thursday. “He’s a one-on-one matchup problem on 50-50 balls whom Ohio State can maximize — particularly in the red zone. Even when covered, he isn’t really covered. Few wide receivers 6-foot-5 or taller can move, shake and produce after the catch like Henry. He shows an amazing run-and-catch aspect in the vertical passing game.
“Henry’s long arms and ability to elevate in traffic create distinct advantages on jump balls. His twitchiness is very similar to that of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and sets him apart from other receivers at this size.”
Chris Henry Jr.’s father, Chris Henry, played receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2005-09, registering 119 grabs for 1,826 yards and 21 touchdowns. The younger Henry has been committed to Ohio State since July 2023. He visited Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks in March, but closed his recruitment last month. In doing so, he canceled official visits to Oregon, USC, and Miami.
“I want to be in Columbus and I want to be a Buckeye,” Henry said via a post on X by On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
Emeka Egubka (No. 19 overall, Tampa Bay, 2025), Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 4, Arizona, 2024), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (No. 20, Seattle, 2023), Garrett Wilson (No. 10, New York Jets, 2022), and Chris Olave (No. 11, New Orleans, 2022) have all been drafted in the first round under Ryan Day.
KEEP READING: Top 30 College Football Recruits for 2026: Full List of Who’s Signed and Who’s Still Deciding?
As recruits see the path that those pass-catchers have set, Ohio State has become an attractive destination for those hoping to make a name for themselves. Henry could add to that legacy.
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