In a significant development for college football recruiting, the Ohio State Buckeyes have secured a commitment from five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., a standout in the 2026 class. Henry, who had offers from prominent programs including Louisville, Michigan, and Oklahoma, ultimately chose to join the Buckeyes, bolstering their already impressive recruiting class.
Chris Henry Jr., born on July 14, 2007, is the son of the late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Henry Jr. has been recognized for his exceptional talent on the field. He began his high school career at West Clermont High School in Batavia, Ohio, where he showcased his versatility by recording 29 catches for 292 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman. Additionally, he contributed defensively with 16 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Ahead of his sophomore season, Henry Jr. transferred to Withrow High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. There, he set a school record with 1,127 receiving yards on 71 catches, along with 10 touchdowns, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier wide receiver. His performance attracted attention from major college programs, leading to offers from schools such as Clemson, Georgia, and USC. Despite these opportunities, Henry Jr. committed to Ohio State, citing the program’s strong track record of developing NFL-caliber receivers and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of former Buckeye greats.
Henry Jr.’s commitment is particularly significant given his personal connection to the sport. His father, Chris Henry, was a talented NFL receiver whose career was tragically cut short in 2009. Following his father’s passing, Henry Jr. developed a close relationship with his father’s former teammate, Adam “Pacman” Jones, who has served as a mentor and father figure. This support system has been instrumental in Henry Jr.’s development, both on and off the field.
Ohio State’s success in securing Henry Jr.’s commitment over other top programs underscores the strength of their recruiting efforts and the appeal of their football program. The Buckeyes have a storied history of producing elite wide receivers, and Henry Jr. is poised to continue that tradition. His combination of size, speed, and football intelligence makes him a formidable addition to Ohio State’s roster.
Breaking: Ohio State Beats Louisville, Michigan, and Oklahoma to Land Five-Star Elite WR 2026 Recruit Chris Henry Jr.
In a major coup for the Ohio State Buckeyes, five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. has officially committed to the program, choosing the Buckeyes over Louisville, Michigan, and Oklahoma. The commitment of the highly-touted 2026 recruit further cements Ohio State’s dominance in wide receiver recruiting, a trend that has continued under head coach Ryan Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline.
Who is Chris Henry Jr.?
Chris Henry Jr. is a name that has been making waves in high school football circles for some time now. The son of the late Chris Henry, who played wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, Henry Jr. has inherited his father’s athletic prowess and has quickly emerged as one of the premier prospects in the 2026 class.
Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing around 205 pounds, Henry Jr. has the size, speed, and hands that make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to high-point the football, create separation, and run precise routes has drawn comparisons to elite NFL receivers. Scouts rave about his athleticism and football IQ, with many believing he has the potential to be a game-changing playmaker at the collegiate and professional levels.
Henry Jr. initially played at West Clermont High School in Ohio, where he showcased his versatility as both a wide receiver and defensive back. After a standout freshman season, he transferred to Withrow High School in Cincinnati, where he took his game to another level. His sophomore season saw him amass 1,127 receiving yards on 71 catches, including 10 touchdowns.
His combination of size, skill, and football pedigree made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country, with numerous Power Five programs vying for his commitment.
Why Ohio State?
Ohio State has developed a well-earned reputation as “Wide Receiver U” in recent years. Under the guidance of Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes have consistently produced elite NFL talent at the position, including Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. The ability to develop talent and put receivers in prime positions for the NFL Draft played a pivotal role in Henry Jr.’s decision.
In interviews, Henry Jr. has spoken highly of the Buckeyes’ coaching staff and their vision for his future. “Coach Hartline has done an amazing job developing players at my position,” he stated. “I want to be in a place that will push me to be the best, and Ohio State feels like home.”
The Buckeyes’ recent success in recruiting wide receivers also played a factor. Henry Jr. joins a lineage of elite pass-catchers who have thrived in Columbus, with many going on to have successful NFL careers. The opportunity to learn from one of the best receiver coaches in college football and be a part of a program with championship aspirations made Ohio State the ideal destination.
Beating Out Top Contenders
Landing Henry Jr. was no small feat, as some of the nation’s premier programs were in hot pursuit. Michigan, Oklahoma, and Louisville were all heavily involved in his recruitment, each offering compelling reasons why he should join their programs.
- Michigan: The Wolverines pitched their recent success, including back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. With a renewed emphasis on offensive firepower, Michigan was hoping to add Henry Jr. as a cornerstone of their future passing attack.
- Oklahoma: The Sooners, known for producing elite offensive talent, made a strong push. With their move to the SEC, they emphasized the opportunity for Henry Jr. to showcase his skills on one of the biggest stages in college football.
- Louisville: As the home of his father’s college legacy, Louisville was an emotional contender in the race. The Cardinals offered the opportunity to continue the Henry family tradition and be a focal point in their offense.
Ultimately, Ohio State’s proven track record and ability to prepare players for the NFL won out, solidifying their position as a top destination for elite wide receiver talent.
Impact on Ohio State’s 2026 Recruiting Class
Henry Jr.’s commitment gives Ohio State a massive recruiting boost for the 2026 cycle. He is one of the highest-rated recruits in his class and instantly becomes the face of an already strong recruiting effort.
The Buckeyes have been assembling one of the best classes in the nation, and adding Henry Jr. only strengthens their standing. His commitment could also influence other top recruits to join the program, as elite players often prefer to play alongside other top-tier talent.
Additionally, his presence on the field will help Ohio State’s offense remain one of the most potent in the country. His size and skill set make him a perfect fit for the Buckeyes’ system, and he has the potential to be an immediate contributor when he arrives in Columbus.
What’s Next for Henry Jr.?
While his commitment is a huge win for Ohio State, Henry Jr. still has two more years of high school football left before he makes the move to Columbus. His focus now will be on continuing to develop his game, refining his route running, and preparing for the next level.
Recruiting never truly stops, and other programs may still try to sway him before he officially signs his letter of intent. However, given his strong ties to Ohio State and his enthusiasm for the program, it seems unlikely that his commitment will waver.
Fans will be eager to see how Henry Jr. progresses over the next two seasons, with many expecting him to continue dominating at the high school level before making a smooth transition to college football.
Conclusion
Chris Henry Jr.’s decision to commit to Ohio State is a monumental moment for the Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting class. Beating out powerhouse programs like Michigan, Oklahoma, and Louisville for his signature further underscores the program’s dominance in landing elite talent, particularly at the wide receiver position.
With his natural ability, football pedigree, and elite coaching awaiting him in Columbus, Henry Jr. has all the tools to become the next great Ohio State wide receiver. His addition solidifies Ohio State’s status as a premier destination for top-tier pass-catchers and ensures that the Buckeyes’ offense will remain among the nation’s best for years to come.
As the 2026 class continues to take shape, Ohio State fans can celebrate another recruiting victory—one that could pay massive dividends in the years ahead.