Woah! The Ohio State Buckeyes fans can now finally be able to get their good night’s sleep. What a season it has been! From Ryan Day’s job hanging by a thread to the Buckeyes winning the National Championship title, the perfect story. But permanent and college football often do not go together. So, even though Day was able to save himself from losing the HC seat, his players’ roster has now become a hot target. 

Among them, the one to have multiple eyes on him is none other than 5-star WR Chris Henry Jr.. Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks had been Jr.’s biggest suitors. So, is Jr. going to click the ‘FLIP’ button?  

Chris Henry Jr.’s commitment to Ohio State stands on one factor

Day’s squad had eight players enter the transfer portal before the College Football Playoff started in December. During the Playoffs, another six players left. Even winning the National Championship did not stop the Buckeyes players falling like dominoes here and there. Day has lost almost two dozen players. The count says it’s 21! Even after this, the poaching tactics continue to pester Day and Co. One of the top targets right now in Ohio State is WR Chris Henry Jr. The young chap has been committed since July 2023. But the present situation turns out to be very risky for Day’s squad as far as Jr. is concerned.

On the On3 Recruits podcast, host Josh Newberg gave a rundown on the current situation, “Brian Hartline, he’s already got his guy. That’s Chris Henry Jr. the number one wide receiver in America he’s been locked in for nearly a year already…but he is taking visits to other schools.” That’s when analyst Alex Gleitman pitched in with his take on Jr. He stated, “I think Chris Henry Jr though with Pacman Jones as his guardian, his mentor is very level-headed about this. I don’t think he’s someone who’s going to make any irrational decisions.” Definitely, things are going to be tough for the WR. After all, programs are now offering NIL deals to pay a visit to their schools. 

The analyst did not shy away from accepting the fact that Jr. needs a backup plan. On that note, he stated, “I think right now, Oregon probably looks like the top choice to be that backup plan.” But looks like Jr.’s fate in Columbus hangs on one factor. And what’s that? “I don’t really see the Ducks being able to flip or anyone else really being able to flip Chris Henry Jr. Unless both Ryan Day and Brian Hartline are not in Ohio State. At least one of them would have to have left the program for it to even be a possibility,” shared the analyst. Meanwhile, Jr. is all head over heels for the Ohio State HC. 

A tug-of-war for Chris Henry Jr.   

Lanning has prioritized recruiting since arriving in Eugene. The results are obvious as the Ducks currently have the No. 1 ranked 2026 class in the country. Looking for a head start, the Ducks organized their Junior Day at Autzen Stadium on January 25. No wonder, that Jr. too made his way to Eugene. Coming back, the WR had good things to share about Lanning’s program. Jr. told On3, “We have a great relationship. Obviously they had a great season last year. I think it’s definitely their coaching staff…I can see why they’re doing so good.”

Do you know in the meantime, Michigan Wolverines HC Sherrone Moore might try his luck to land Jr.? After all, the Wolverines now have the NIL backing to make a big push for the 5-star WR. Also, Jr. will be having the enticing prospect of teaming up with 2025 quarterback phenom Bryce Underwood. But looks like the athlete has already made up his mind. 

The No.5 overall recruit Chris Henry Jr. didn’t hold back in showing love for his HC Ryan Day. Thrilled by how the HC brought home the title even after going through so much, the WR confessed, “Knowing what they’ve been through this year it showed how resilient they are for sure. They definitely deserved that, and now I’m even more excited to be up there! (Coach Day) he just gives us great opportunities to make plays and go out there and ball.” It’s a waiting game now to see if Jr. can hold onto his loyalty to Day’s squad until the end.