Jeremiah Smith Sends Clear Message as Ohio State Commit Hesitates

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Jeremiah Smith Sends Clear Message as Ohio State Commit Hesitates

National Signing Day began on Wednesday with plenty of rumors flying. Top quarterback Jared Curtis flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to the Vanderbilt Commodores in a massive decision.

On Wednesday, another big player who was expected to make his decision is five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr.

Henry plays at Mater Dei High School in California, and he has been committed to Ohio State since 2023. He then shut down his recruitment in April 2025, so he has long been pegged to go to Columbus.

However, things appear to be up in the air now.

On Wednesday, Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who recruited Henry, accepted the South Florida job, and Henry acknowledged that coaching changes have put some hesitation into his decision.

“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,” Henry wrote on X.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver commit Chris Henry Jr.© Lori Schmidt / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Wednesday night, Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith made a plea for Henry to come to Columbus.

“WE NEED YOU!!!”

Hartline’s decision to go to South Florida appeared to have made Henry think twice, according to Steve Wiltfong of On3/Rivals.

“The Rivals No. 1-ranked wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. was “shook” by the news of Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline being named the head coach at South Florida, as described by one source. Now, multiple sources indicate that Oregon is the program to watch for possibly flipping the coveted pass-catcher out of Santa Ana (Calif.). Mater Dei. USC is a name that keeps popping up as well, but the Ducks appear to be Ohio State’s biggest threat,” Wiltfong wrote on Wednesday.

Henry initially chose Ohio State over Oregon and USC, and while he is exploring his options, having somebody as good as Smith calling for you is quite a testament.

Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Legend Bey have also left Ohio State’s Class of 2026 recruiting class after the Hartline news, and Henry leaving would be another massive blow for the program.

Related: Ohio State at Risk of Losing Nation’s No. 1 WR After Brian Hartline’s Departure

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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