In the cutthroat world of college football recruiting, commitments are about as solid as a sandcastle at high tide. NIL deals, last-minute coaching changes, and powerhouse programs whispering in players’ ears make every verbal pledge a shaky proposition. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day knows this all too well. And now, he’s facing a fresh wave of uncertainty as his prized five-star wide receiver commit, Chris Henry Jr., keeps his options open.
For months, Henry Jr. has been a jewel in Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class. But the tides are shifting, and four major programs—Miami, USC, Oregon, and OSU—are now set to host him on official visits. While this might seem like routine business for a top prospect, make no mistake—this is a red flag for the Buckeyes. The battle for Henry’s signature is far from over, and with programs like Oregon making aggressive moves, Ryan Day’s grip on his star recruit is loosening.
Ohio State’s Crown Jewel—But for How Long?
Chris Henry Jr. is not your average high school athlete. He’s a freakishly gifted multi-sport talent, excelling in football, basketball, and track. At West Clermont High School in Ohio, he dominated both sides of the ball, racking up 292 receiving yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles in his freshman season—numbers that earned him MaxPreps Freshman All-American honors. After making waves at Withrow High School, he’s now at powerhouse Mater Dei, sharpening his skills in one of the most competitive environments in the country.
With talent like that, it’s no wonder elite programs are circling. And while Henry Jr. has maintained his commitment to the Buckeyes, he’s not shutting the door on others.
His scheduled visits paint a picture of a player who’s keeping his options open:
- Miami (May 30) – A program hungry to return to dominance.
- USC (June 6) – Lincoln Riley’s high-powered offense is a WR’s dream.
- Oregon (June 13) – A team on the rise with a history of flipping top recruits.
- Ohio State (June 20) – A chance for Ryan Day to remind Henry why he committed.
For Ohio State, that last visit is crucial. It gives Ryan Day and his staff one final chance to solidify their hold before Henry makes any last-minute changes to his future.
Oregon’s Sneaky Play—Could the Ducks Poach Henry Jr.?
If there’s one program Ohio State should be worried about, it’s Oregon. The Ducks have become notorious for swooping in and flipping elite recruits when no one sees it coming. Need proof? Just ask Na’eem Offord and Trey McNutt, two highly touted prospects who turned their backs on Ohio State in favor of Eugene.
Now, Dan Lanning’s squad has their sights set on Henry Jr., and they’re making their move at the perfect time. Oregon is fresh off an undefeated regular season—the only FBS team to achieve that in 2024—while Ohio State’s momentum has taken a hit. With a Big Ten title loss and tough defeats against Oregon and Michigan, Buckeye fans have started questioning Ryan Day’s ability to keep Ohio State at the top.
And then, there’s the Chip Kelly factor.
Ryan Day’s Recruiting Edge Just Took a Major Hit
Chris Henry Jr. has always been vocal about his admiration for former Ohio State offensive analyst Chip Kelly. The young receiver had confidence in Kelly’s ability to develop players, even saying:
“I like Coach Chip Kelly. He’s a great coach, he’s been to the league. He knows what he’s doing.”
But there’s a problem. Kelly just took a job with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving a gaping hole in Ohio State’s recruiting pitch. Without him, the Buckeyes’ staff suddenly looks a little less appealing, and Oregon is more than happy to take advantage of the situation.
Henry Jr. himself has already hinted that he’s impressed with what the Ducks are building, saying:
“Obviously, they had a great season last year. I think it’s definitely their coaching staff. The way they run things up there is really good. I can see why they’re doing so good.”
That’s not the kind of quote Ohio State fans want to hear from their top recruit.
Can Ryan Day Hold the Line?
Ohio State still has the upper hand—for now. The Buckeyes have history, tradition, and a proven track record of developing NFL-ready wide receivers. Plus, the team’s recent promotion of Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator is a huge selling point for Henry Jr. He’s already stated:
“I love this move. Coach Hartline knows how to develop receivers better than anyone, and now with him as OC, I know he’s going to put us receivers in the best position to dominate for sure.”
But in today’s NIL-driven world, words only go so far. Oregon is making an aggressive push, and Henry Jr.’s upcoming visit to Eugene could be a turning point in this recruiting battle.
If Ryan Day wants to keep his prized receiver in Columbus, he’s going to have to fight tooth and nail. And with Oregon lurking in the shadows, ready to pull another recruiting heist, the Buckeyes can’t afford to take their foot off the gas.
One thing’s for sure—this recruiting saga is far from over.
