Chris Henry’s college future seems all but decided. But in the world of big-time college football, nothing is ever simple for top recruits. The five-star wide receiver from Mater Dei knows programs like Oregon and Texas are still calling, hoping for any sliver of opportunity. Will his commitment to Ohio State Buckeyes hold, or is another twist waiting around the corner?
Why Are Oregon and Texas Still Pushing Chris Henry Despite His Ohio State Commitment?
On July 28, Henry committed to join Ohio State for the 2025-26 college football season. However, the recruiting work is never done. Even after Henry’s public commitment, teams continue keeping those phones open. Rivals.com’s Marcus Benjamin goes in-depth on how Oregon and Texas are not giving up on landing the standout receiver.
“Oregon and Texas are the two schools maintaining contact with Henry, hoping to flip him from Ohio State,” wrote Benjamin.
“They are still hitting me up, but I’m at Ohio State,” said Henry
Henry currently has just one game-day visit scheduled: the Buckeyes’ season opener against Texas in Columbus on Saturday, August 30. He’s not planning on traveling to see any other schools right now.
Looking at Henry’s backstory, his approach to the recruiting circus makes sense. The son of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, he was surrounded by football from the start. His father passed away when he was just two, and former All-Pro Adam “Pacman” Jones stepped in to help raise him and his two siblings. This upbringing taught Henry a lot about how the business side of the game works and how to handle attention from hungry college programs.
The Buckeyes’ recent run of elite receivers is another major draw. Ohio State boasts Jeremiah Smith, widely considered by many as the best wideout in college football right now. Plus, he might even end up as the first-overall pick whenever he eventually declares for the draft.
Big names like Garrett Wilson, Marvin Harrison, Jr., and Jaxon Smith-Njigba came through Columbus and reached the next level. With NIL deals making it easier than ever for top players to be open about communications, the whole game has changed. Schools feel less pressure to hide their recruiting, and players like Henry can talk honestly about who’s still calling.
How in the world did Chris Henry Jr. make this catch?!
Ohio State has another elite WR on the wayhttps://t.co/aHBsWpjqrK pic.twitter.com/X5MqFu8C5F
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 23, 2025
What Makes Ohio State Stand Out for Chris Henry Compared to Other Powerhouses?
Texas and Oregon make the case that their offenses also move players along to the NFL. Still, Henry himself points to his close relationship with Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline as what separates Ohio State from the others.
“It’s been great,” Henry said of his Ohio State connection. “It’s been great since I got the offer. Ain’t nothing changed. I still have a great relationship with Coach Hartline and Coach Day. I’m just blessed.”
READ MORE: LONGHORNS HAVE TO PREP FOR THE BUCKEYES
For now, Henry sounds locked in. Texas will still have a shot to make an impression soon: Benjamin reports that Henry’s only in-person visit is set for Columbus this weekend, when the Buckeyes host the Longhorns. As always at this level, one great performance or a meaningful conversation could tip the scales, so nobody is backing off just yet.
With the stakes for top recruits at an all-time high, schools are not about to stop chasing talent like Henry. Will he hold firm in his pledge to Ohio State, or could another powerhouse find a way to change his mind?
