USC is aiming to make a major statement for its 2026 recruiting class by hosting five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., a current Ohio State commit. The Trojans hope to lure the talented pass-catcher away from their Big Ten rivals.
Henry Jr., a 6-foot-5, 205-pound standout from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, is one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation. He holds a five-star rating with a 0.9870 composite score on 247Sports, ranking as the top player in California, the No. 1 wide receiver in the country, and the sixth overall recruit in the 2026 class.
Despite committing to Ohio State on July 28, 2024, Henry Jr. has remained open to visiting other top programs. USC, led by head coach Lincoln Riley, is among the schools vying for his attention. While the Trojans may not have the same recent track record of developing elite wide receivers as Ohio State, they have a significant advantage in proximity. Being a California native, Henry Jr. might find the allure of staying close to home and USC’s strong NIL collective appealing.
Additionally, USC can offer Henry Jr. an immediate opportunity to compete for a starting role, thanks to promising young quarterbacks Jaden Maiava and Husan Longstreet. In contrast, Ohio State already boasts star wideout Jeremiah Smith, which could limit Henry Jr.’s early playing time.
This visit is a pivotal moment for USC as they look to bolster their roster and establish themselves as a contender in the Big Ten. Securing a commitment from Henry Jr. would not only give the Trojans the top wide receiver in the 2026 class but also signal a potential shift in the program’s trajectory as they aim to regain their footing among college football’s elite.
