5-star receiver Chris Henry Jr. signing with Ohio State after reconsidering options

Five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. announced Wednesday that he'll sign with Ohio State after initially delaying his decision to join the Buckeyes.

Henry verbally committed to Ohio State in July 2023 and appeared on track to sign with the school during the first day of the early signing period. However, he pushed back his decision after learning that Buckeyes receivers coach Brian Hartline was leaving for the head coaching job at USF.

The Mater Dei High School product is the top-rated wide receiver on the ESPN 300 for the class of 2026. Oregon, LSU, Texas, and USC also reached out to Henry after he pushed back his announcement Wednesday.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is credited with leading the charge to keep Henry's commitment.

"Even though Hartline did leave, Ohio State has always been in my heart since I committed," Henry said Friday during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."

Henry said he felt "comfortable" keeping his commitment to join Ohio State after mulling it over this week.

"For me, it was really just being at a place where I feel comfortable at," Henry said. "It was never really about the money. I was getting tons of offers. (...) Ultimately, for me, it was just a place I feel comfortable at."

The Buckeyes will pair Henry with standout Jeremiah Smith beginning in 2026.