In July 2023, Chris Henry Jr., the son of the late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry Sr., committed to play college football at Ohio State University. Henry Sr. played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2005 until his untimely death in 2009. Following his father’s passing, Henry Jr. was adopted by former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, who was a close friend and teammate of his father.
Henry Jr. began his high school football career at West Clermont High School in Batavia, Ohio, where he showcased his talent as a freshman. He later transferred to Withrow High School in Cincinnati for his sophomore year, setting a school record with 1,127 receiving yards on 71 catches and scoring 10 touchdowns. His impressive performance on the field garnered attention from top college programs.
In July 2023, Henry Jr. announced his commitment to Ohio State University during the Buckeyes’ SummerFest event. He expressed his confidence in his decision, stating, “I’m committing to Ohio State, most definitely.” This commitment made him the first recruit in Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class.
Henry Jr. cited his strong relationship with Ohio State’s wide receivers coach, Brian Hartline, as a significant factor in his decision. He praised Hartline’s coaching style and acknowledged Ohio State’s reputation for developing top-tier wide receivers, referring to the school as “WRU” (Wide Receiver University). He noted, “I have a great relationship with coach Hartline and I like how he coaches. Ohio State is starting to look like WRU and they’re recruiting me hard already.”
Henry Jr.’s commitment to Ohio State is a testament to his dedication and talent, as well as a continuation of his father’s legacy in football. As he progresses through his high school career and prepares to join the Buckeyes, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will contribute to Ohio State’s storied football program.
