Chip Kelly is back in the NFL! After a whirlwind seven-year stint in college football—culminating in a national championship run with Ohio State—the offensive mastermind has returned to the pros as the new offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. The move reunites him with Pete Carroll, setting the stage for a potentially explosive offensive revival in Vegas. But while Kelly is settling into his new gig, his departure has left behind a storm in Columbus.
For Ohio State’s Ryan Day, the fallout is immediate and intense. With key coaching staff reshuffling and recruiting battles heating up, Day is scrambling to keep his powerhouse program intact. And just when things couldn’t get more complicated, Lincoln Riley and USC are circling like sharks, looking to capitalize on the chaos. The battleground? A once rock-solid Ohio State commitment—one of the biggest names in high school football—is now under siege.
The Battle for a Future Superstar
Ohio State isn’t just dealing with coaching departures; they’re now fighting to retain the crown jewel of their 2026 recruiting class. A 5-star prodigy who was once a lock for the Buckeyes is suddenly being courted by the biggest names in college football. Oregon, Michigan, and, most dangerously, USC have all launched full-scale efforts to flip him. The stakes? A future game-changing talent who could tilt the balance of power in the Big Ten.
Meet Chris Henry Jr., the 6-foot-5, 205-pound phenom tearing up the high school football scene. The Ohio State commit is widely regarded as the best wide receiver in the country and one of the most elite prospects overall. With a 5-star, 0.9870 rating on 247Sports, he’s not just a highly sought-after recruit—he’s a future superstar.
But here’s the kicker—Henry Jr. isn’t just some Midwest talent with Buckeye roots. He plays at Mater Dei High School in California, the legendary powerhouse that has produced some of the best talent in the sport. That means staying home and playing for USC isn’t just an option—it’s an enticing one.
A Surprise Visit Shakes Things Up
Despite reaffirming his commitment to Ohio State multiple times, Henry Jr. recently made headlines when he took an official visit to USC. The move raised eyebrows and sent Buckeye fans into a frenzy. If there were ever doubts about his loyalty to Ohio State, this visit put them under the spotlight.
Insider Matt Moreno reported on X (formerly Twitter):
“Five-star Ohio State WR commit Chris Henry Jr. arrives for the #USC junior day @USC_Rivals.”
Translation? USC is making a serious play for Henry Jr., and he’s listening.
The appeal of the Trojans is undeniable. Lincoln Riley is a quarterback whisperer, USC has a rich tradition of elite receivers, and let’s not forget about NIL money—one of the strongest in the country. Add in the chance to stay close to home, and the pressure on Ohio State to hold onto Henry Jr. just skyrocketed.
Can Ryan Day Hold the Line?
Ryan Day isn’t going down without a fight. Ohio State has built a reputation as “Wide Receiver U”, thanks to Brian Hartline’s incredible work developing elite talents like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and now freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith. That’s a serious selling point for Henry Jr.—if he wants to be the next WR to dominate college football and be a first-round NFL pick, Columbus might still be the best place.
On the Dan Patrick Show, Day was grilled on how he plans to keep star players in today’s chaotic NIL and transfer portal era. His answer? It’s about family, loyalty, and value.
“You have to bring in great people and great families. But you also have to value them and try to do everything you can to get what they deserve. But there’s also something to be said for being around a program like ours. And if it’s all equal, you know, we’ll have a chance to get our share of guys,” Day explained.
Translation: Ohio State isn’t just relying on tradition—they’re bringing the NIL bag to the table too.
The High-Stakes Showdown: USC vs. OSU
This battle isn’t over. USC is making a strong push, and Ohio State is fighting tooth and nail to keep their prized recruit. If Henry Jr. flips, it would send shockwaves through college football. It wouldn’t just be a loss for Ohio State—it would be a massive statement that USC is ready to dominate the Big Ten.
So, who wins? Will Chris Henry Jr. stick with the Buckeyes, trusting in Ryan Day and Brian Hartline’s elite development system? Or will Lincoln Riley and USC pull off one of the biggest recruiting heists in recent memory?
One thing is certain—this recruiting war is far from over.
