Ohio State Buckeyes' top commit in the 2026 recruiting class, Chris Henry Jr., is now projected to flip his commitment to a fellow Big Ten Conference member.
The 2025 early National Signing Day period could not have gone worse for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
During the midst of the important day on Wednesday, it was reported that Ohio State’s highly acclaimed offensive coordinator, Brian Hartline, was set to become the next head coach of the USF Bulls.
The news completely shocked the entire fanbase; however, fans were relieved to hear that Hartline will stay on the staff for the rest of the season.
Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, the departure of Hartline caused a ripple effect in the 2026 recruiting class, which started with four-star wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, who ultimately signed with the USC Trojans on Wednesday.
Shortly after the news of Dixon-Wyatt, false reports emerged that 2026 five-star wide receiver and Ohio State commit Chris Henry Jr. had officially signed with the program. This was not the case, as Henry clarified on X later in the day that he had not sent his papers to Ohio State due to the recent coaching move of Hartline.
Now, head coach Ryan Day has entered into a classic recruiting battle for Henry with a fellow Big Ten Conference member ahead of the team’s Conference Championship battle against the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday night.
According to multiple reports, the highly-touted receiver is now projected to flip his commitment from Ohio State to the Oregon Ducks.
Henry is currently the top commit in the Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting class, as well as the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation, according to 247Sports’ Composite. The California native was one of the first prospects in this year’s recruiting cycle for Ohio State, announcing his commitment to the program back in 2023.
At 6-foot-5, it was clear that Henry already possesses the frame to be an elite wide receiver at the college level.
In addition to his size, Henry has solid speed off the line and a smooth route-running ability, making him a threat at all three levels of the field. During his final season at Mater Dei High School, the young playmaker recorded 588 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 24 receptions in seven games.
If Henry decides to flip his commitment to Oregon, the Buckeyes would be down to just three wide receiver commits in the 2026 recruiting class, with four-star wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford being the highest-rated pass catcher in the class. Guilford was originally committed to Penn State, but quickly changed his mind and signed with the Buckeyes this week.