Breaking: Chris Henry Jr. Commits to Ohio State, Cancels Visits to Michigan, Alabama, and LSU
In what could be one of the most significant recruitment decisions of the 2025 college football season, five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. has made headlines by canceling his planned visits to Michigan, Alabama, and LSU in favor of his commitment to Ohio State University. This major turn of events has sent shockwaves through the world of college football recruiting, particularly given the longstanding rivalry and intense competition between these elite programs. Henry’s decision could be a game-changer for both the Buckeyes’ offense and the overall landscape of college football recruiting.
A Rising Star
Chris Henry Jr. is no stranger to the spotlight. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound wide receiver from St. Louis, Missouri, has been one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. Ranked as a five-star prospect by major recruiting services such as 247Sports and Rivals, Henry possesses an impressive combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability that has drawn comparisons to some of the best receivers in recent college football history. His athleticism, coupled with his ability to make incredible catches and create separation from defenders, has made him an ideal fit for any college football program.
During his high school career, Henry showcased his incredible talent on a national stage. Whether it was making highlight-reel catches in key games or displaying his ability to run clean routes and dominate defenders, his skills were undeniable. In his junior season alone, Henry recorded over 1,500 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, drawing interest from the likes of Michigan, Alabama, LSU, and a host of other powerhouse programs.
Given his athleticism and on-field prowess, it comes as no surprise that he quickly became one of the top recruits in the country. However, despite the allure of big-name programs, it was Ohio State that emerged as the frontrunner in his recruitment.
The Recruitment Process
The recruitment of Chris Henry Jr. has been a thrilling and intense process for both the recruit and the programs vying for his services. He has visited several schools, including Michigan, Alabama, LSU, and Ohio State, all of which have impressive football traditions and a history of developing top-tier wide receivers. Michigan, with its storied history and big-time rivalry with Ohio State, had long been considered one of the top contenders for Henry’s services, while Alabama’s legendary head coach Nick Saban and LSU’s consistently competitive football program also made strong cases for Henry to consider their schools.
However, the Ohio State Buckeyes, under head coach Ryan Day, have been building something truly special. With a high-powered offense that has produced several NFL-caliber wide receivers over the years—including players like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba—Ohio State has become an attractive destination for top recruits, particularly wide receivers who are looking to play in an offense that showcases their talents on a national stage. Additionally, Ohio State’s ability to develop players into professional athletes through its state-of-the-art facilities, coaching staff, and overall football culture made them a strong contender.
As the recruitment process progressed, Henry began to lean more and more toward Ohio State. He found himself developing a strong connection with the coaching staff, especially wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, who has been instrumental in recruiting some of the nation’s top wide receiver talent. Hartline’s reputation for developing elite receivers and getting them ready for the NFL was a key factor in Henry’s decision to cancel his visits to Michigan, Alabama, and LSU.
The Decision to Cancel Visits
Chris Henry Jr.’s decision to cancel his visits to Michigan, Alabama, and LSU was a clear indication that he had made up his mind about where he wanted to play college football. While it is not uncommon for top recruits to change their minds or delay their decisions, Henry’s abrupt cancellation of his visits was a clear sign that Ohio State had won the battle for his services. This move sent a strong message to the recruiting world: the Buckeyes were in prime position to land one of the nation’s most coveted wide receiver prospects.
While many fans and analysts speculated about the reasons for Henry’s decision, there are several factors that likely played a role in his choice to stick with Ohio State. First, the Buckeyes have one of the most explosive offenses in college football, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation in passing yards and points scored. Henry, who excels in a fast-paced offense, would be able to thrive in this high-octane system, making an immediate impact as a freshman.
Second, Ohio State’s tradition of developing wide receivers into NFL-caliber players was undoubtedly a major factor. Henry has expressed his desire to play in the NFL for as long as he can remember, and the chance to learn under Hartline, who has produced several first-round wide receiver draft picks, was too good to pass up. The success of players like Olave and Wilson, who went on to star in the NFL after their time at Ohio State, likely played a significant role in Henry’s decision to commit to the Buckeyes.
Lastly, Ohio State’s culture and the relationship Henry built with the coaching staff were key considerations. The Buckeyes’ winning culture, their emphasis on player development, and their focus on putting players in the best possible position to succeed both on and off the field were all major selling points. In particular, Henry’s relationship with Coach Day and the rest of the Ohio State coaching staff gave him confidence that he would be part of something special in Columbus.
The Impact on Ohio State’s Recruiting Class
Chris Henry Jr.’s commitment to Ohio State is a major coup for the Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class. With his decision, Ohio State continues to build one of the most impressive recruiting classes in the country. The addition of Henry gives the Buckeyes another elite playmaker to pair with their already loaded group of offensive talent.
Ohio State’s wide receiver corps will be stacked in the coming years, with Henry joining a talented group that includes players like Brandon Innis, Noah Rogers, and Mylan Graham, all of whom are ranked as four- or five-star recruits. These players, combined with a dynamic quarterback room and a top-tier offensive line, will ensure that Ohio State’s offense remains one of the most potent in college football.
Additionally, Henry’s commitment serves as a significant boost to Ohio State’s recruiting efforts moving forward. Landing a player of his caliber is a huge win for the program, especially given the stiff competition from other programs like Michigan, Alabama, and LSU. Henry’s decision is likely to influence other top recruits to consider Ohio State, as it demonstrates the Buckeyes’ ability to compete with the best programs in the country and consistently produce NFL-caliber talent.
The Repercussions for Michigan, Alabama, and LSU
While Ohio State fans are celebrating the addition of Chris Henry Jr., the news is a major blow to Michigan, Alabama, and LSU, all of which had high hopes of landing the five-star receiver. Each of these programs has a rich football history and a strong reputation for developing top-tier wide receivers, making them natural contenders for Henry’s services. However, his decision to cancel visits to these schools shows that the Buckeyes had the edge in his recruitment.
For Michigan, the cancellation of Henry’s visit is particularly disappointing. The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most intense in all of college football, and landing a top-tier recruit like Henry would have been a significant victory for the Wolverines. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff have worked hard to build a competitive program, but in this case, they fell short in securing one of the nation’s top recruits.
Similarly, Alabama and LSU, two programs that are consistently ranked among the best in college football, will have to regroup after losing out on Henry. Alabama’s reputation for developing wide receivers under Saban is well-established, but in this instance, Ohio State proved to be the more appealing destination for Henry. LSU, with its storied history of producing top NFL talent, also missed out on a prime opportunity to land a major recruit.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Chris Henry Jr. will likely be a focal point of Ohio State’s offense. With his size, speed, and ability to make plays at the highest level, Henry is poised to make an immediate impact for the Buckeyes. His commitment has solidified Ohio State’s position as one of the top teams in college football, and he will undoubtedly play a key role in helping the Buckeyes compete for a national championship in the coming years.
For now, the focus will be on how Henry’s addition to Ohio State’s recruiting class will shape the future of the program. With a player of his caliber, the Buckeyes’ offense is poised to reach new heights, and Ohio State fans can be excited for what lies ahead. The recruiting battle for Henry may be over, but the excitement surrounding his commitment is only just beginning.
As the world of college football continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Chris Henry Jr.’s decision to commit to Ohio State has sent shockwaves through the sport, and the Buckeyes are primed for continued success on the recruiting trail and beyond.