Eric Boggs
Ohio State football finds itself in the midst of a high-stakes recruiting battle as the nation’s top-ranked 2026 wide receiver, Chris Henry Jr., continues to explore his options despite his early commitment to the Buckeyes. Henry, who originally played in Ohio before transferring to Mater Dei High School in California, has scheduled multiple official visits, a move that has fueled speculation about his final decision.
Henry’s recruitment has been closely monitored given his pedigree. His late father, Chris Henry, was a standout wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, and former NFL star Pac-Man Jones played a significant role in helping raise him. With deep Ohio ties, many Buckeye fans hoped that Henry’s early commitment would remain firm, but his recent visit to Oregon has cast some doubt.
The visit to Eugene was not pre-planned, making it particularly noteworthy. Oregon, under head coach Dan Lanning, has emerged as a major player in the national recruiting scene and a growing rival to Ohio State. Since joining the Big Ten, the Ducks have positioned themselves as one of the conference’s top programs, challenging the Buckeyes for both recruits and championships. Lanning and his staff have made it clear they are willing to compete aggressively for elite talent, and with the financial backing of Nike co-founder Phil Knight, Oregon is a formidable force in the NIL landscape.
Ohio State’s approach to NIL has been more conservative, focusing on roster retention and development rather than offering massive upfront deals to recruits. This strategy helped the Buckeyes maintain one of the most talented rosters in the country, keeping key players from leaving for the NFL early. However, Oregon’s willingness to make aggressive NIL offers has created a major decision point for Henry.
At the heart of Henry’s choice is a fundamental question: Does he prioritize short-term financial gain, or does he value the long-term development that Ohio State, particularly under wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, can offer? The Buckeyes have a proven track record of sending receivers to the NFL as first-round draft picks, a pipeline that has recently produced stars like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Despite speculation, Henry’s decision remains uncertain. He is expected to take visits to Ohio State, Oregon, and potentially other top programs before making a final choice. While Buckeye fans remain optimistic, they understand that his recruitment will likely come down to the wire.
Ohio State’s coaching staff remains confident in its ability to retain Henry, but this battle exemplifies the new reality of college football recruiting—one where traditional powerhouses must contend with well-funded programs that are willing to offer top prospects lucrative deals. In the end, Henry’s choice will hinge on what he values most in his collegiate experience: the immediate financial incentives that Oregon can provide or the long-term career development that Ohio State has historically delivered.
