Ohio State has built a reputation for being one of the premier factories for wide receiver talent in college football, and the pipeline shows no sign of slowing down. The Buckeyes have consistently recruited, developed, and produced elite pass-catchers who not only dominate at the collegiate level but also translate their skills to the NFL. With names like Michael Thomas, Terry McLaurin, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. all carving out legacies in both Columbus and at the next level, Ohio State has become synonymous with elite wide receiver play. The program’s ability to attract and develop high-end receiver talent has made it a destination for the very best prospects in the country. In 2026, the Buckeyes are poised to showcase yet another dynamic duo that could go down as one of the most talented in college football history: Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr. Together, these two players represent the epitome of what Ryan Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline have built in Columbus, fielding the No. 1 ranked wide receiver in two of the past three recruiting classes and giving the Buckeyes the kind of offensive firepower that every other program envies.
Jeremiah Smith, who headlines the 2024 recruiting class as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation, is already drawing comparisons to some of the all-time greats before even stepping on the field. His combination of size, athleticism, ball skills, and route-running ability makes him nearly impossible to cover in one-on-one situations. At 6-foot-3 with a long frame, elite speed, and the ability to make contested catches look routine, he has every trait necessary to be the next superstar in Ohio State’s long line of elite receivers. Recruiting experts and scouts have consistently described him as a “can’t miss” prospect, the type of player who is expected to make an immediate impact as a freshman and potentially leave for the NFL after three dominant seasons. His commitment to Ohio State was not only a huge recruiting victory but also a signal to the rest of the college football world that the Buckeyes remain the gold standard at the position.
On the other side of the timeline is Chris Henry Jr., the son of the late Chris Henry, a talented NFL receiver whose life was tragically cut short. Standing at nearly 6-foot-5 with incredible athleticism, Henry Jr. is widely considered the No. 1 receiver in the 2026 recruiting class. His frame, speed, and natural ability make him one of the most sought-after recruits in recent memory. Beyond the athleticism, he carries a story that resonates with fans, as he looks to honor his father’s legacy by carving out his own name in football. His recruitment was closely followed across the country, with powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas all vying for his commitment, but Ohio State’s tradition, development, and track record with elite wideouts proved to be the decisive factor. Choosing the Buckeyes ensures that Henry Jr. will not only develop under Brian Hartline, but he will also have the chance to play alongside other five-star receivers and compete at the highest level of college football.
The pairing of Smith and Henry Jr. is significant not just because of their individual rankings, but because it represents a continuation of Ohio State’s stranglehold on wide receiver recruiting. To have the No. 1 receiver in two of three recruiting cycles is a testament to the program’s ability to dominate a specific position group like no other. While other schools may land a single top receiver in a cycle, Ohio State is consistently stacking elite talent on top of elite talent. This creates a level of competition in practice that sharpens each player while also giving the Buckeyes unmatched depth in games. Jeremiah Smith will likely be entering his junior season in 2026, with NFL scouts circling him as a first-round pick, while Chris Henry Jr. will be stepping onto the field as a highly touted freshman. That combination of experience and youthful exuberance will make for an explosive tandem that few defenses in the country will have the personnel to handle.
It is worth noting that these two players will be joining an already stacked receiver room that continues to add four-star and five-star talent each cycle. Ohio State rarely fields just one or two star receivers; instead, the offense is often loaded with three or four potential first-round NFL draft picks on the field at the same time. This is exactly what we saw in 2021 when Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were all on the same roster, producing one of the most dangerous wide receiver corps in the history of the sport. The 2026 season has the potential to echo that dominance, with Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr. forming the headlining duo but surrounded by other elite players capable of producing at a high level.
The dynamic between Smith and Henry Jr. will be fascinating to watch unfold. Smith, with his polished skill set and established presence, will likely be the focal point of the passing game. By his junior year, he should be one of the most dominant receivers in the nation, a proven leader and go-to target in the biggest moments. Henry Jr., as a freshman, will bring raw talent and physical gifts that make him a nightmare matchup for opposing secondaries. His development under Hartline will be accelerated by competing against Smith every day in practice, giving him an edge that most freshmen simply don’t get. The result will likely be a duo that not only shines individually but also elevates one another to new heights.
For Ohio State, having this kind of talent is more than just about individual accolades—it’s about winning championships. The Buckeyes have been in constant pursuit of another national title, and having a receiver duo like Smith and Henry Jr. could be the difference in the College Football Playoff. A quarterback-friendly offense combined with elite pass catchers gives Ohio State the kind of firepower needed to outscore the other national contenders like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. Every great championship team in recent memory has had dominant playmakers on the perimeter, and the Buckeyes are positioning themselves to have the very best in the nation.
Recruiting analysts often talk about momentum, and Ohio State’s ability to land Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr. is the perfect example of how success breeds success. Players at the high school level see how many Buckeye receivers have made it to the NFL, and that legacy becomes a magnet for the next generation of talent. Brian Hartline’s presence as a developer of wideouts cannot be overstated—his reputation as the best wide receiver coach in the country is reinforced every year as another Buckeye gets drafted in the first round. Parents, coaches, and players alike see Ohio State as the place where wide receivers reach their full potential.
The NFL connection is another important piece of this story. Scouts and general managers are already watching both Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr., with expectations that they will one day be high draft picks. Ohio State has shown that playing in their system prepares receivers for the next level, both in terms of route concepts and the mental side of the game. For Smith, a likely top-10 pick after three years, and Henry Jr., who will be viewed as a future star from the moment he steps on campus, the pipeline to the NFL is clear. This kind of track record only reinforces the Buckeyes’ recruiting advantage, as they can point to tangible success stories from their program year after year.
