Ohio State Buckeyes 5-Star Commit Chris Henry Jr. Schedules Visits With Oregon Ducks, USC, Miami: The Rising Star’s Recruiting Drama Unfolds
The world of college football recruiting is never without its drama, and for Ohio State Buckeyes fans, one of the most anticipated storylines in the 2025 cycle is the commitment of 5-star safety Chris Henry Jr. The highly touted defensive back from Washington, D.C., who currently plays for St. John’s College High School, has been an undeniable force on the field, known for his athleticism, ball skills, and relentless playmaking ability. His commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes in June 2024 was celebrated as one of the key pieces of their 2025 recruiting class, but in recent weeks, the recruiting story for Henry Jr. has taken some unexpected turns.
Now, as Ohio State fans wait with bated breath, the future of their defense hinges on the development of this coveted 5-star safety, but Henry Jr. is far from done with his recruitment. Despite his public commitment to the Buckeyes, he has recently scheduled visits to several other top programs, including the Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, and the Miami Hurricanes. These visits, particularly as we head into the final stretch of the recruiting cycle, have raised plenty of eyebrows across the college football world and left fans wondering: Could the Buckeyes lose out on one of their most important commitments?
The Rising Star: Chris Henry Jr. and His Impressive Recruiting Profile
Before diving into the visits and drama surrounding his recruitment, it’s important to understand why Chris Henry Jr. is such a highly coveted prospect. Henry Jr. is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound safety with a rare combination of size, speed, and instincts. His versatility on the field allows him to excel both as a safety and as a cornerback, which only adds to his appeal for college programs. Scouts rave about his athleticism, his ability to read the quarterback, and his knack for making timely interceptions. In addition, Henry Jr. is a heavy hitter, making him a presence both in pass coverage and in run support.
As a junior in 2023, he racked up a staggering 80 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles while helping lead St. John’s College High School to a championship game appearance. His ability to control the back end of the defense and his leadership qualities make him one of the most complete safeties in the 2025 class. His high school success led to immediate interest from the nation’s top programs, and it didn’t take long for him to emerge as a top-tier recruit.
In the spring of 2024, after an intense recruiting process that saw him rack up offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Clemson, Henry Jr. made the decision to commit to Ohio State. His commitment was seen as a major win for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ defense, which has been known for developing elite defensive backs. The Buckeyes are coming off a season in which their defense ranked among the best in the Big Ten, and Henry Jr. was viewed as a key piece to continue that legacy.
A Commitment That Wasn’t Set in Stone
Though Ohio State secured Henry Jr.’s verbal commitment in June 2024, recruiting is rarely ever fully concluded until a player officially signs. Even though Henry Jr. publicly pledged his commitment to the Buckeyes, he has always maintained that his recruitment would remain “open” and that he would still take visits to other schools. In the world of elite recruits, such open-ended statements are often seen as an indicator that the player might be considering other options.
His comments leading up to these visits have only fueled speculation that he might be rethinking his commitment. Henry Jr. stated in an interview, “I love Ohio State, and I’m excited about my future there, but I want to make sure I’m making the right decision. I’m still going to explore my options and see what else is out there.”
These comments have raised alarms for Ohio State fans, who are no strangers to the intensity of recruiting battles. College football fans understand that the commitment of a 5-star recruit is never guaranteed until that player is on campus, and Henry Jr.’s openness to other visits has made the situation even more intriguing.
The Oregon Ducks: A Serious Contender for Henry Jr.’s Services
The Oregon Ducks have emerged as one of the biggest challengers to Ohio State in Henry Jr.’s recruitment. Under head coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has seen a significant rise in recruiting stature, especially in the defensive backfield. Oregon has long been a program that has prided itself on its innovative offense and high-flying aerial attack, but the Ducks have recently made great strides on the defensive side of the ball, particularly under Lanning’s guidance.
Oregon’s 2025 class has already attracted top-tier talent, and Henry Jr. could be the crown jewel of their defensive recruiting class. With Oregon having one of the most dynamic and aggressive defenses in the nation, a commitment from a player like Henry Jr. would solidify their defense for years to come. Additionally, the program has established itself as one of the premier destinations for defensive backs, particularly those looking to get to the NFL.
What makes Oregon such a serious contender in this recruiting battle is the proximity of the school to Henry Jr.’s home on the East Coast. While Oregon is traditionally seen as a West Coast powerhouse, Henry Jr. is no stranger to flying across the country to play in big games, and his visits to Oregon could give the Ducks the opportunity to make a compelling pitch. Additionally, Oregon’s reputation for putting defensive backs into the NFL could be a significant draw for Henry Jr., who dreams of playing at the next level.
USC Trojans: Another West Coast Power on the Horizon
Another program that has made a push for Chris Henry Jr.’s recruitment is the USC Trojans, one of the premier schools on the West Coast. USC is no stranger to landing elite recruits, particularly in the secondary, and head coach Lincoln Riley has brought an exciting energy to the program since taking over in 2022. With a strong tradition of success and the allure of competing in the Pac-12, USC is an attractive option for any recruit.
The Trojans have made a concerted effort to bolster their defensive recruiting efforts, and a commitment from Henry Jr. would go a long way in solidifying that goal. The defense at USC, led by defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, has shown promising growth, and adding a playmaking safety like Henry Jr. could be the key to unlocking even more success. On the recruiting trail, USC has often targeted high-profile recruits like Henry Jr., and with the added benefit of the Los Angeles location and the history of top-notch player development, USC may be a significant factor in Henry Jr.’s final decision.
In recent weeks, USC has increasingly been involved in Henry Jr.’s recruitment, as evidenced by his upcoming visit to the school. The Trojans have positioned themselves as a school that can provide immediate playing time in a high-profile conference, which could be appealing to a player looking to make an immediate impact.
Miami Hurricanes: The Legacy Factor
The Miami Hurricanes, a program with a long-standing legacy of success and a history of producing elite NFL talent, have also entered the picture in Henry Jr.’s recruitment. Miami’s defense has seen significant improvements in recent years, and the Hurricanes are hungry for top-tier defensive talent to take them back to the elite level they enjoyed in the early 2000s.
What makes Miami an intriguing option for Henry Jr. is the program’s rich history, particularly when it comes to safeties. Miami has developed some of the greatest safeties in college football history, and that tradition could be a powerful selling point. Miami’s staff has worked hard to make inroads with Henry Jr., and his upcoming visit to Coral Gables will be critical in determining how seriously he is considering the Hurricanes.
Additionally, the appeal of playing in Miami, with its vibrant football culture and proximity to elite high school football in the state of Florida, makes the Hurricanes a dangerous contender in this recruitment. Miami is also known for developing NFL talent, and Henry Jr. has long expressed a desire to make it to the next level, making Miami’s ability to produce successful professionals an important factor in his decision-making.
The Ohio State Buckeyes: The Heavy Favorite?
Despite the growing interest from other top programs, Ohio State remains the presumed leader in Henry Jr.’s recruitment. The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the nation’s top programs, and their defense has become a selling point for recruits like Henry Jr., who are looking to play at the highest level. With the defensive development under Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State offers Henry Jr. an opportunity to play for a program that is poised to compete for championships year in and year out.
The Buckeyes’ safety room has produced some elite NFL talent in recent years, and Ohio State’s long-standing tradition of developing defensive backs will certainly be a major selling point for Henry Jr. if he does decide to stick with his commitment.
Ohio State’s official visits are yet to be scheduled for Henry Jr., but it’s clear that the Buckeyes will have the full attention of this dynamic recruit in the months leading up to the early signing period.