The college football recruiting world is in turmoil as five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. has shocked everyone by refusing to sign with Ohio State despite months of commitment, leaving his future hanging in the balance as Oregon and USC circle like vultures.
It was supposed to be a routine signing day ceremony at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California on Wednesday, December 3rd. Instead, the 6-foot-5, 205-pound prospect—ranked as the No. 32 overall prospect and No. 3 wide receiver in the nation—threw the entire recruiting landscape into chaos by announcing he had not submitted any paperwork to the Buckeyes.
The Bombshell That Changed Everything
The timing couldn't have been worse for Ohio State. Just 30 minutes before Henry Jr. was set to reaffirm his commitment to the Buckeyes, the program received devastating news:
offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline had accepted the head coaching position at South Florida. For a wide receiver prospect, losing the coach who would directly oversee his development is a seismic event.
Henry Jr. took to social media to explain his sudden hesitation, posting:
"I have not signed yet. Still trying to weigh my options due to coaching changes. I just want to make the right decision for my future. God's plan."The message was clear—the coaching change had fundamentally altered his calculus.
Three Programs in the Hunt
Despite his more than two-year commitment to Ohio State, Henry Jr. is now actively considering three programs: the
Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, and USC Trojans. According to 247Sports, one source indicated there is "serious doubt that he ends up sticking with his pledge to the Buckeyes," signaling that the Buckeyes' grip on the elite prospect has significantly loosened.
Oregon has been particularly aggressive in its pursuit, making what sources describe as a "compelling offer" down the stretch. If the Ducks can flip Henry Jr., they would likely vault past USC to claim the
No. 1 recruiting class in the nation for 2026. Currently, Oregon sits at No. 2 nationally, just behind USC.
What's at Stake
The son of the late
Chris Henry, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2005-2009, Henry Jr. is one of the most coveted prospects in the country. In his senior season at powerhouse Mater Dei, he caught
28 passes for 607 yards with six touchdowns, despite dealing with a nagging knee injury that limited his availability earlier in the season.
If he ultimately chooses Ohio State, he would arrive on campus as an early enrollee in January. However, the uncertainty surrounding the program's wide receiver coaching situation has created an opening for competitors to make their case.
The Recruiting Scramble Intensifies
Ohio State's coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day and recruiting coordinator Mark Pantoni, is reportedly in constant contact with Henry Jr., attempting to reassure him that Columbus remains the best destination for his future. Meanwhile, Oregon and USC are making their own pitches, emphasizing stability and their elite offensive systems.
The decision could come as soon as Thursday, December 4th, or Henry Jr. may take additional time to weigh his options. Either way, this recruitment has become one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2025 National Signing Period, with major implications for all three programs' recruiting class rankings.
1.
247Sports - Chris Henry Jr. Update: Five-Star WR Initially Picks Ohio State But Still Undecided2.
Sports Illustrated - How Landing 5-Star Chris Henry Jr. Would Catapult Oregon's Recruiting Class Rank3.
Burnt Orange Nation - Texas in Pursuit of Five-Star Ohio State WR Commit Chris Henry Jr.
Sources
1. Update: Five-star WR Chris Henry Jr. initially picks Ohio State but is still undecided, weighing options
2. BREAKING: Major Chris Henry Jr. Update Drops! - YouTube
3. How Landing 5-Star Chris Henry Jr. Would Catapult Oregon's Recruiting Class Rank
4. Texas is in pursuit of five-star Ohio State WR commit Chris Henry Jr.
