How Ohio State football reloads if Chris Henry Jr. flips commitment
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As many Ohio State fans know, the early signing period for college football began on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, and the Buckeyeslanded several major recruits and currently sit sixth in the 247 Sports overall class rankings. One of the headliners of the 2026 class was Ohio State commit Chris Henry Jr., yet he did not sign his letter of intent. For the past twenty-four hours, rumors have circulated about whether Henry Jr. will ultimately sign with Ohio State or look elsewhere.
The leading explanation for the delay appears to be the departure of Brian Hartline, the former offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach who played a huge role in Henry’s recruitment. Hartline accepted the head coaching job at USF on Wednesday.
Henry went to X and posted this on Wednesday regarding his recruitment.
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.
Gods plan
— Chris Henry Jr (@ChrisHenryJr) December 3, 2025
It is not the message Ohio State fans hoped to see, especially with Henry Jr. mentioning “coaching changes” as the reason he has not signed. Rivals also released a report stating their insiders have logged a new prediction for Chris Henry Jr., projecting Oregon to flip him from Ohio State with a 60 percent confidence level.
NEW: Rivals insiders have logged expert predictions for Oregon to flip Ohio State Five-Star Plus+ WR commit Chris Henry Jr.🦆
Read: https://t.co/fZdsQre6eKpic.twitter.com/Gs7Ruh3v9x
— Rivals (@Rivals) December 4, 2025
This would certainly sting for the Buckeyes, although it is worth noting that Ohio State did secure a signing from four-star wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford, the No. 22 receiver in the class, on Thursday.
If Chris Henry Jr. does flip to Oregon, it is not ideal, but Ryan Day will not flinch, and Ohio State still has plenty of ways to reload at the position. The staff can pursue several remaining options in this class or turn to the transfer portal this winter and spring.
Jalen Lott, Oregon Ducks WR Commit
Lott does not bring the 6’5 frame Henry Jr. offers, but he is a dynamic athlete with elite speed and explosiveness. He is a multi-sport standout with extensive track and field experience at both the high school and Junior Olympics levels. Ohio State offered Lott on January 28, 2025. He has been committed to Oregon since July 8, 2025, but if Oregon flips Henry Jr., it would be fascinating to see if the two programs essentially swap receivers.
According to 247 Sports, Lott is the fourth-ranked receiver in the class and the thirty-third overall prospect, placing him one spot behind Henry Jr. in both categories. Pairing Lott with Jeremiah Smith in Columbus next year would be must-see TV, as Lott could dominate the slot with his speed and create even more one-on-one opportunities for Smith. It is something worth considering.
Ryan Williams, WR Alabama Crimson Tide
On paper, this possibility could break the internet. Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith took college football by storm last season as two sensational freshmen. The 2025 campaign has been a different story for Williams, marked by inconsistency and frustration. After recording 48 catches for 865 yards and 10 total touchdowns in 2024, he has 40 catches for 598 yards and 4 touchdowns this season. Even in last week’s Iron Bowl against Auburn, Williams was not targeted despite playing 37 of 73 offensive snaps.
If he enters the portal, reuniting with Jeremiah Smith would be electric. In an interview this past summer, Williams even revealed how close the pair came to teaming up before college, saying, “Honestly, so I was committed to ‘Bama,” Williams told I Am Athlete. “I had been committed to ‘Bama since my freshman year. It was never really like that. But we both was on the Georgia visit and we worked out together. We was like, what if? You feel me? Like, what if? We looked at each other. But it never … you feel me?” Defenses would struggle to contain the two of them in the same offense.
Nick Marsh, WR Michigan State Spartans
Another compelling option is Michigan State’s Nick Marsh, who announced this week that he is entering the transfer portal. In two seasons at Michigan State, Marsh produced 100 receptions for 1,311 yards and 9 touchdowns. At 6’3 and 215 pounds, he is a physical presence on the outside, and pairing him with Jeremiah Smith would create serious matchup problems for opposing cornerbacks. If Ohio State wants to preserve the size advantage they would have had with the 6’5 Chris Henry Jr., Marsh is a natural fit for this offense.
T.J. Moore, WR Clemson Tigers
Moore has not entered the transfer portal, but like Ryan Williams at Alabama, he endured a disappointing 2025 season. Some analysts believe Moore could consider leaving Clemson. He was part of the 2024 class along with Jeremiah Smith and ranked as the fourth overall receiver behind Smith, Cam Coleman, and Ryan Williams.
Across two seasons at Clemson, Moore has totaled 91 catches for 1,405 yards and 9 touchdowns. If he decides to depart, Ohio State makes a great deal of sense, especially with the Buckeyes having previously offered him the opportunity to reunite with his 2024 classmates Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Where Ohio State goes if Chris Henry Jr. decides to play elsewhere
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