In a dramatic twist to the 2026 college football recruiting saga, five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. has decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and pledged his future to the Penn State Nittany Lions. This move has sent ripples through the recruiting world, as Henry was once considered one of the cornerstones of Ohio State’s future wide receiver corps. His decision to switch sides could have a lasting impact on both programs as they head into the 2026 season.
A Change of Heart
Henry, widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the nation, had been committed to Ohio State for several months. However, after much reflection and multiple visits to various schools, he surprised many by decommitting from the Buckeyes and announcing his commitment to Penn State. The 6’5″, 205-pound wideout, who is known for his elite speed, great hands, and ability to make explosive plays, had been a highly coveted target for many college football powerhouses, including the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and USC.
“I felt that Penn State was the place where I could truly develop as a player and a person,” Henry said in a statement following his commitment. “Their coaching staff, the environment, and the chance to make an impact early on really stood out to me. I’m excited to join the Nittany Lions and help bring championships to Happy Valley.”
What Does This Mean for Ohio State?
Henry’s decision to decommit from Ohio State is a significant loss for the Buckeyes, who were hoping to add him to their already formidable roster of wide receivers. Ohio State’s offense, known for its high-powered passing attack, would have benefited greatly from Henry’s skills in both the short and deep passing game. With Henry now off the board, Ohio State will need to regroup and shift their focus to other top-tier wide receiver recruits.
However, head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are no strangers to adapting. They have historically had one of the top recruiting classes in the country, and this setback is unlikely to derail their pursuit of future talent.
Penn State’s Victory
For Penn State, landing a five-star prospect like Chris Henry Jr. is a monumental victory. Head coach James Franklin and the Nittany Lions have been building momentum in recent years, and this commitment strengthens their recruiting class significantly. Henry’s addition will complement an already strong receiving corps and add another weapon to an offense looking to challenge for Big Ten and national titles in the coming seasons.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Chris to our team,” said Franklin. “He’s an exceptional talent, and I know he’ll play a major role in our program’s success moving forward.”
As both Ohio State and Penn State continue their recruiting battles, Henry’s decision is sure to be one of the defining moments of the 2026 recruiting cycle. Fans from both schools will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this commitment impacts the college football landscape in the years to come.
