Ohio State’s five-star commit, Chris Henry Jr., is visiting Miami, USC, and Oregon, raising questions about his recruitment.
Recruitment in college football is a complex and dynamic process, and nothing is set in stone until a player officially signs his National Letter of Intent. This year, Ohio State’s five-star wide receiver commit, Chris Henry Jr., has made waves in the recruiting world by planning visits to other prominent programs despite being committed to the Buckeyes. His decision to take official visits to Miami, USC, and Oregon has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about his future in Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class.
Chris Henry Jr. is widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. His commitment to Ohio State was a significant win for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, who have made a name for themselves in recent years as a factory for top-tier wide receivers. However, Henry’s decision to explore other schools, despite his verbal pledge to Ohio State, has led many to question the stability of that commitment.
In this piece, we will break down the situation surrounding Henry Jr.’s recruitment, his reasons for taking official visits to other schools, and what it could mean for the future of Ohio State’s recruiting efforts.
Chris Henry Jr.’s Recruitment Timeline and Commitment to Ohio State
Chris Henry Jr. is a 6-foot-5, 195-pound wide receiver from St. Louis, Missouri, who has emerged as one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the 2025 class. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability makes him a nightmare for defensive backs, and he has the potential to be a game-changing wide receiver at the college level.
Henry Jr. had a standout high school career at De Smet Jesuit High School, where he quickly gained attention from college scouts and coaches across the country. His recruitment ramped up quickly, and by the time he committed to Ohio State, many viewed it as a major victory for the Buckeyes. Ohio State has a long history of producing elite wide receivers, and Henry Jr. seemed like a natural fit for the program’s high-powered offense.
Ohio State secured his commitment in the spring of 2024, a significant win for Ryan Day and his staff as they looked to continue building one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Henry Jr. became the centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts in 2025, joining a list of other high-profile commits that included top-rated quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive stars.
His commitment was seen as a major signal that Ohio State’s dominance in the wide receiver market was likely to continue. After all, Henry Jr. was a five-star recruit who could make an immediate impact on Day’s offense, and his addition was expected to set the tone for the rest of Ohio State’s recruiting efforts.
The Surprising Turn: Official Visits to Miami, USC, and Oregon
Despite his verbal commitment to Ohio State, Chris Henry Jr. has planned official visits to three other programs: Miami, USC, and Oregon. The timing of these visits is significant, as official visits typically take place in the months leading up to a recruit’s signing day. Official visits allow recruits to experience a program firsthand, meet with coaches and players, and explore the campus and facilities in greater detail. It is a crucial part of the recruitment process, and it gives prospects an opportunity to ensure that the school they’ve committed to is the right fit for them.
Henry Jr.’s decision to visit other schools has caught many by surprise. The general expectation for a recruit who has already committed to a school is that they will focus on building relationships with that program and will not entertain other options. However, Henry’s decision to explore Miami, USC, and Oregon is a sign that the Buckeyes may have some competition for his signature in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Let’s take a look at each of these schools and why Henry Jr. might be considering them:
- Miami: Miami has made a significant push in recruiting in recent years, thanks to head coach Mario Cristobal’s efforts to revitalize the program. The Hurricanes are a team on the rise, and their football program has a rich history of producing talented wide receivers. Miami’s recruiting efforts under Cristobal have been strong, and the program has become a real contender in the race for top-tier talent. For Henry Jr., Miami offers the opportunity to play in a competitive ACC program that is rebuilding its status among college football’s elite. The Hurricanes’ new offensive scheme and emphasis on developing playmakers might be a draw for Henry Jr.
- USC: USC is another major program that has been in the spotlight of college football in recent years. With head coach Lincoln Riley at the helm, the Trojans have become a major force on the West Coast. USC has consistently produced top wide receivers, and Henry Jr. could see the Trojans as a place where he can further develop his game and potentially make an early impact. The appeal of playing in Los Angeles and competing in a high-profile program like USC cannot be understated. Additionally, USC’s success on the recruiting trail under Riley makes them a serious contender for Henry Jr.’s commitment.
- Oregon: Oregon has also become a powerhouse in college football under head coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks have shown a strong ability to recruit elite talent, and their offense has been one of the most innovative in the country. For Henry Jr., Oregon presents the opportunity to be part of a program that has both national recognition and a track record of developing wide receivers. The chance to play in the Pac-12 and compete in a dynamic offense could appeal to a player like Henry Jr., who is looking for a program that can offer exposure and a chance to make an immediate impact.
What This Means for Ohio State
Ohio State’s recruitment of Chris Henry Jr. has become a delicate situation. While the Buckeyes remain confident in their ability to secure his commitment, these official visits to other schools raise important questions about the stability of his pledge. Official visits are critical to a recruit’s decision-making process, and the fact that Henry Jr. is exploring other options means that Ohio State will need to continue to work hard to maintain his commitment.
Recruiting is an unpredictable process, and it’s not uncommon for players to decommit from one school and commit to another, even after making an initial pledge. Ohio State has experienced its fair share of recruiting wins and losses over the years, and while the Buckeyes are a top program, they are not immune to competition. If other schools make a strong impression on Henry Jr. during his visits, there’s a possibility that he could flip his commitment.
For Ohio State, this means continuing to strengthen their relationship with Henry Jr. and ensuring that he remains engaged with the program. Ryan Day and his coaching staff will likely be in constant communication with Henry Jr. leading up to his visits, emphasizing the unique opportunities that Ohio State offers as a program that consistently produces elite wide receivers and competes for national championships. The Buckeyes have already developed a reputation for producing top-tier wide receivers who go on to have successful careers in the NFL, and Henry Jr. could be the next player to follow that path.
The Bigger Picture: Ohio State’s Recruiting Landscape
The recruitment of Chris Henry Jr. is just one example of how the landscape of college football recruiting is evolving. With the rise of the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, and increased competition from other top programs, recruits are more empowered than ever before to explore all of their options. This means that even schools like Ohio State, which are typically considered a “safe” destination for top-tier recruits, must continue to adapt to the ever-changing recruiting environment.
Ohio State has long been a powerhouse in college football recruiting, but the competition for top recruits is fierce, and it’s clear that Henry Jr.’s decision is far from final. While the Buckeyes remain the favorite to land his signature, the visits to Miami, USC, and Oregon signal that Ohio State will need to put in extra effort to seal the deal.
