In college football, coaching changes during the offseason can have a significant impact, not just on the current team but also on incoming recruits. This is a challenge Ohio State has faced following its national championship victory.
Recently, the Buckeyes saw defensive coordinator Jim Knowles depart for a position at Penn State, while offensive coordinator Chip Kelly left to join Pete Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders. Such transitions can sometimes lead to uncertainty among recruits, especially those who have built relationships with outgoing coaches. However, Ohio State appears to have maintained stability by promoting Brian Hartline from wide receivers coach to offensive coordinator.
One key recruit, five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., has voiced his strong approval of the decision. Henry, ranked as the No. 1 receiver in the 2026 class and the No. 5 overall player, shared his excitement about Hartline’s promotion via On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
“I love this move,” Henry expressed. “Coach Hartline is the best at developing receivers, and now, as OC, I know he’ll put us in the perfect position to dominate.”
These remarks suggest that Henry remains committed to Ohio State, though his recruitment battle is far from over. The Oregon Ducks have been making a strong push to flip him, and their efforts seem to be paying off. On Wednesday, Henry was spotted at his high school, Mater Dei, dressed in Oregon gear from head to toe—an indication that his interest in the Ducks remains high following his visit to Eugene last month.
While it’s too early to determine where Henry will ultimately sign, it’s clear that Ohio State’s coaching move hasn’t hurt his enthusiasm for the Buckeyes. His recruitment is expected to remain a major storyline leading up to signing day in December.
