In a significant recruiting victory, the Ohio State Buckeyes have secured a commitment from five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., a standout in the 2026 class. Henry, who had offers from prominent programs including Louisville, Michigan, and Oklahoma, ultimately chose Ohio State, citing the program’s strong track record in developing elite receivers.

Standing at 6-foot-4.5 and weighing 185 pounds, Henry has been recognized for his exceptional athleticism and route-running abilities. His commitment to Ohio State was announced during the program’s Summerfest event, marking him as the first pledge in the Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting class.

Henry’s decision was influenced by Ohio State’s reputation for producing NFL-caliber wide receivers. Under the guidance of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes have seen several players transition successfully to the professional level. Henry noted, “I see what they’re doing now and I like how they develop their receivers over there.”

The young receiver’s football lineage is notable; he is the son of the late Chris Henry Sr., a former NFL wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. Following his father’s passing in 2009, Henry Jr. was adopted by Adam “Pacman” Jones, a close friend and former teammate of his father at West Virginia University.

Henry’s high school career has been marked by impressive performances and strategic moves to enhance his development. He began at West Clermont High School in Ohio, transferred to Withrow High School, and later moved to Mater Dei High School in California, a program renowned for its competitive football environment. These transitions have provided Henry with opportunities to compete against top-tier talent, further honing his skills ahead of his collegiate career.

As the top-ranked wide receiver in the 2026 class, Henry’s commitment is a significant addition to Ohio State’s future roster. His combination of size, speed, and football acumen positions him as a potential impact player for the Buckeyes. Reflecting on his decision, Henry expressed confidence in his choice, stating, “I already knew where I wanted to go. So when I went back there, it just already felt like home.”

With Henry’s commitment, Ohio State continues to build on its tradition of attracting and developing elite wide receiver talent, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for top recruits.