In a surprising development, five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. has decommitted from Ohio State University and announced his commitment to Brigham Young University (BYU). This decision has sent shockwaves through the college football community, as Henry Jr. was previously considered a cornerstone of Ohio State’s future offensive plans. Background on Chris Henry Jr.Chris Henry Jr., son of the late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry, has been a prominent figure in high school football. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, he has been lauded for his exceptional size, speed, and playmaking abilities. His high school career saw him transferring from West Clermont High School to Withrow High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he set a school record with 1,127 receiving yards on 71 catches, scoring 10 touchdowns. He later transferred to Mater Dei High School, a powerhouse in California high school football. Henry Jr. initially committed to Ohio State in July 2023, becoming one of the earliest and most high-profile commits in the 2026 class. His commitment was seen as a significant win for the Buckeyes, especially considering their reputation for producing elite wide receivers. The Decision to Flip Commitment The decision to flip his commitment from Ohio State to BYU is unexpected, especially considering the stature of both programs in college football. Several factors may have influenced this decision:
1. Program Fit and Development Opportunities: BYU, under head coach Kalani Sitake, has been making strides in developing a competitive program. The Cougars’ recent inclusion in the Big 12 Conference has elevated their profile, potentially offering Henry Jr. a prominent role in their offensive scheme
2. Family and Personal Considerations: Henry Jr.’s family ties have been a significant aspect of his life. His late father played for West Virginia University, and his sister, Seini Henry, is a basketball player at Ohio State. While family connections to Ohio State existed, the desire to forge his own path might have played a role in his decision. 3. Recruitment by Other Programs: Prior to his commitment to BYU, Henry Jr. had been courted by several top programs. Notably, he visited the University of Oregon, sparking speculation about a potential flip. Impact on BYU Football Landing a five-star recruit like Chris Henry Jr. is monumental for BYU. It signifies the program’s growing appeal and competitiveness on the national stage. Henry Jr.’s commitment could have several implications:Recruiting Momentum: His decision may attract other top-tier recruits to consider BYU, bolstering the overall talent pool and competitiveness of the team.Offensive Enhancement: With his size and skill set, Henry Jr. can be an immediate impact player, providing the Cougars with a dynamic offensive weapon.National Recognition: Securing a player of his caliber brings positive attention to BYU, potentially leading to more televised games and increased media coverage.Reactions from the College Football Community The college football community has been abuzz with reactions to Henry Jr.’s commitment flip:Ohio State Fans and Analysts: Many were surprised and disappointed by the news, as Henry Jr. was anticipated to be a key contributor to the Buckeyes’ future success.BYU Supporters: The Cougar fan base has expressed excitement and optimism, viewing this commitment as a sign of the program’s upward trajectory.Recruiting Experts: Analysts have noted this move as indicative of the shifting dynamics in college football recruiting, where emerging programs can now compete for top talent traditionally reserved
