Chris Henry Jr.’s decision prompts strong message from Ryan Day: report
National Signing Day yielded a monumental decision from five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., who had been committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes since July 2023.
Henry was reportedly “shocked” by the news that offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Brian Hartline will leave Ohio State to serve as head coach of USF in 2026. The top wide receiver prospect was set to sign with the Buckeyes just hours after this coaching news surfaced.
Henry chose not to sign on Wednesday, opening the door for several eager programs around the nation. In fact, multiple analysts predict Henry to flip his commitment in favor of Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks.
“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,” Henry announced on social media.
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Ohio State head coach Ryan Day reportedly contacted Henry on Wednesday night in an attempt to sway his decision.
Day reminded Henry that Ohio State has had nine wide receivers selected in the first round of the NFL draft, according to a new report from Rivals. He also reminded the top recruit that Oregon has had zero first-round NFL wide receivers.
“Rivals has learned that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day pinged Henry on Wednesday night and reminded him the Buckeyes have had nine receivers selected in the first round of the NFL draft and that it wasn’t one person [Hartline] who put them there. It’s been a collective effort. He added that Oregon has had zero,” the report reads.
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Recent Ohio State wide receivers like Emeka Egbuka, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr. have found great NFL success as first-round draft picks. Day’s team currently boasts two more future first-round talents: Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.
Hartline will remain with Ohio State through the team’s upcoming Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff run. The reigning national champions hold No. 1 position in the CFP rankings heading into Saturday’s conference title matchup against No. 2 Indiana.
