Chris Henry Jr., a former standout football player at Withrow, vows to stay at Ohio State
Chris Henry Jr., the highly touted wide receiver prospect from Withrow High School, has reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio State University. Despite entertaining visits to other programs, Henry Jr. remains steadfast in his decision to become a Buckeye, citing his strong connection to the coaching staff, the program’s history of developing elite receivers, and his long-term aspirations in football.
A Legacy in Football
Chris Henry Jr. is the son of the late Chris Henry Sr., a former standout wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who tragically passed away in 2009. Despite the loss of his father at a young age, Henry Jr. has embraced his father’s legacy and is determined to carve his own path in the football world. His athleticism, route-running ability, and sheer talent have already made him one of the most sought-after high school football players in the country.
Growing up in Cincinnati, Henry Jr. quickly gained recognition for his skills on the football field. His size (6-foot-5, 200 pounds), speed, and ball-handling abilities set him apart from his peers. His breakout performances at Withrow High School led to interest from top programs nationwide, but it was Ohio State that ultimately won his commitment.
The Commitment to Ohio State
In July 2023, Henry Jr. officially announced his commitment to Ohio State after attending their SummerFest recruiting event. The event, designed to bring recruits closer to the coaching staff and the program’s culture, played a significant role in solidifying his decision. The Buckeyes’ track record of developing elite wide receivers—such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave—was a major factor in Henry Jr.’s choice.
“The way they develop wide receivers and the family atmosphere really stood out to me,” Henry Jr. said. “Ohio State just felt like home.”
Exploring Other Options
Despite his commitment, Henry Jr. continued to explore his options, visiting schools such as Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Oregon. These visits sparked speculation about whether he might decommit, but Henry Jr. remained firm in his decision.
“I’m always locked in,” he stated. “I’m just still enjoying the process of being a recruit because this only happens once.”
Many elite prospects take visits even after committing to a school, as the recruiting process is an exciting and often overwhelming journey. Coaches from other programs continued to reach out to Henry Jr., hoping to flip his commitment, but he reassured Ohio State fans that his heart was with the Buckeyes.
A Move to Mater Dei
In a strategic move to further his development, Henry Jr. transferred to Mater Dei High School in Southern California, a powerhouse in high school football. Mater Dei has produced numerous college football stars and NFL players, making it the perfect environment for a player of Henry Jr.’s caliber to refine his skills and compete at a high level.
At Mater Dei, Henry Jr. trained with former NFL receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who played alongside his father with the Bengals. Houshmandzadeh quickly recognized the similarities between Henry Jr. and his late father, particularly in their ability to make tough catches and dominate defensive backs.
“He’s got all the tools to be great,” Houshmandzadeh said. “The way he moves, his hands, his understanding of the game—he reminds me a lot of his dad.”
The Skillset That Sets Him Apart
Henry Jr. is considered one of the best wide receiver prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, and for good reason. His combination of size, speed, and technical ability makes him a nightmare for defenders. Scouts have raved about his ability to high-point the football, his precise route running, and his strong hands, which allow him to make difficult catches in traffic.
Some of his key attributes include:
- Size and Length: At 6-foot-5, he has the height advantage over most defensive backs.
- Speed: Despite his size, he possesses breakaway speed that allows him to stretch the field.
- Route Running: His ability to run crisp routes and create separation is elite for his age.
- Catching Ability: He has strong hands and excellent body control, making him a reliable target in any situation.
- Football IQ: Growing up around the game and training with elite coaches has given him an advanced understanding of defensive coverages and offensive schemes.
Ohio State’s Wide Receiver Factory
One of the primary reasons Henry Jr. remains committed to Ohio State is the program’s recent success in producing NFL-caliber wide receivers. Under wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes have consistently developed some of the top pass-catchers in college football.
Marvin Harrison Jr., the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, is a perfect example of how Ohio State molds talent into elite prospects. Henry Jr. hopes to follow a similar path and believes that Ohio State provides the best environment for him to reach his full potential.
“Coach Hartline has a great track record of developing receivers and preparing them for the next level,” Henry Jr. said. “I know that if I put in the work, I’ll be ready for the NFL when the time comes.”
Reclassification Rumors
There have been discussions about Henry Jr. potentially reclassifying to the 2025 class, which would allow him to graduate high school a year early and join Ohio State sooner. However, he has stated that, for now, he plans to stay in the 2026 class.
“I’m only going to be in high school once, so I might as well get the most out of it,” he explained.
While reclassification could accelerate his college career, staying in the 2026 class would give him more time to develop physically and mentally, ensuring he enters college as polished as possible.
Expectations for the Future
As one of the top-ranked prospects in the nation, Henry Jr. enters his senior seasons with sky-high expectations. At Mater Dei, he will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best high school talent in the country, further preparing him for the college level.
At Ohio State, he is expected to be a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. By the time he arrives in Columbus, the Buckeyes will likely have another wave of top receivers heading to the NFL, opening the door for Henry Jr. to make an immediate impact.
“I just want to go in, work hard, and earn my spot,” he said. “I’m ready to contribute and help Ohio State win championships.”
The Bigger Picture
Beyond football, Henry Jr. is also focused on carrying on his father’s legacy. Chris Henry Sr.’s story is one of immense talent and tragic loss, but Henry Jr. hopes to honor his father by excelling on and off the field.
“I play for my dad,” he said. “Everything I do is for him. He was my inspiration, and I want to make him proud.”
As he continues his journey, Henry Jr. is proving that he is more than just the son of a former NFL player—he is a rising star in his own right, with the talent and drive to become one of the best wide receivers in the game.
Chris Henry Jr.’s decision to stay committed to Ohio State despite outside interest speaks volumes about his confidence in the program and his vision for the future. With his unique skill set, relentless work ethic, and the guidance of experienced coaches, he is poised to become a major force in college football and beyond.
As Buckeye fans eagerly await his arrival, one thing is clear: the legacy of Chris Henry Sr. lives on, and his son is ready to create a new chapter—one that could see him become one of the next great wide receivers in both college and professional football.