Better Know A Buckeye: Chris Henry Jr.'s Journey to Ohio State
Ohio State's 2026 recruiting class is turning heads, finishing fourth nationally and boasting some serious talent. Among the crown jewels is Chris Henry Jr., a standout wide receiver who’s been making waves long before stepping onto the college stage.
Background
Ohio State spotted Henry’s potential early, offering him a spot in 2022 after an impressive team camp performance. Even as an eighth-grader, Henry showed the kind of promise that would keep scouts talking for years. He quickly became a key figure in the Buckeyes' plans, committing in July 2023, and tying for the tallest receiver to commit to OSU since 2010.
Despite transferring from Withrow in Cincinnati to the powerhouse Mater Dei in California, and facing plenty of attempts by other schools to sway him, Henry’s commitment to Ohio State never wavered. His dedication was tested again when Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes’ wide receivers coach, left for a head coaching role at USF. Yet, Henry remained loyal, signing on National Signing Day and trusting in head coach Ryan Day and the program's vision.
Henry expressed his commitment on The Pat McAfee Show, stating, “Ohio State has always been in my heart... Even though Hartline did leave, I feel comfortable at Ohio State, where I can be developed to reach my goal of becoming a first-round draft pick.”
High School Achievements
Henry’s high school career was nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman, he was a two-way player, showcasing his versatility with 29 receptions for 292 yards and five touchdowns, while also making significant contributions on defense. At Withrow, he set a school record with 1,127 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
His time at Mater Dei was challenging due to a knee injury, but he bounced back to finish strong, amassing 607 yards and six touchdowns in his senior year. His performances in the Navy All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl further cemented his status as an elite prospect.
Scouting Report
Standing at 6-5 and weighing 201 pounds, Henry doesn’t just look the part-he plays it. His combination of size, speed, and ability to snag those 50-50 balls makes him a formidable presence on the field. Whether it's stretching the field with deep routes or turning short passes into big gains, Henry is a versatile threat.
As he refines his skills at Ohio State, Henry is poised to become an even bigger asset, learning from a consistently top-tier wide receiver group.
Depth Chart Outlook
With established players like Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss returning, Henry will compete with fellow freshman Jerquaden Guilford and experienced transfers Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker for a starting spot. While experience may give others an early edge, Henry’s talent is undeniable, and Ohio State’s investment in him reflects that belief.
Regardless of whether he starts immediately, Henry is expected to see significant playing time as a freshman. By 2027, he’s likely to be a key figure in the Buckeyes' receiving corps.
Player Comparison: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Henry’s game draws comparisons to Marvin Harrison Jr., another Ohio State great. With a similar blend of speed and playmaking ability, Henry could follow a similar trajectory. While Harrison’s college career was illustrious, Henry has the potential to make an immediate impact, setting the stage for a standout tenure at Ohio State.
In sum, Chris Henry Jr. is more than ready to make his mark as a Buckeye, and fans should be excited for what’s to come.