Oregon Emerges as Favorite for Five-Star Receiver Chris Henry Jr.

The 2026 college football signing day has delivered one of its most surprising storylines: Oregon has emerged as the frontrunner for elite wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., who previously pledged to Ohio State. Henry’s potential flip comes amid a cascade of coaching changes that have reshaped recruiting landscapes across the country.

Henry, a standout from Mater Dei High School, had committed to Ohio State in 2023 after being recruited by then-offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. That commitment now hangs in the balance following Hartline’s departure to become the head coach at USF. The move sent ripples through Ohio State’s recruiting plans and opened the door for other programs.

Rivals, one of the most widely respected college football recruiting sites, now lists Oregon as the favorite to land Henry, with USC also in contention. The timing is notable, as National Signing Day has passed, but Henry has until March to finalize his decision and still participate in spring practice.

The potential shift carries added irony: Oregon currently operates without an offensive coordinator. Will Stein, who held the role for three years under Dan Lanning, recently accepted the head coaching position at Kentucky, leaving the Ducks to navigate this recruiting push without their own coordinator in place.

1. Top Recruit on the Board

Chris Henry Jr. is widely regarded as one of the top players in the class of 2026. ESPN ranks him as the premier receiver in the nation, while 247Sports lists him as the third-best wideout overall. Regardless of the ranking service, Henry is a consensus five-star recruit and firmly in the top 50 prospects of the class. His talent and production have made him a coveted prize for programs across the country. For Oregon, landing a player of Henry’s caliber would provide a boost to an already talented roster and signal the program’s continued ability to compete for elite talent. USC also remains a contender, leveraging its historical success with wide receiver development and proximity to Henry’s Southern California home. The Trojans offer a familiar environment and a program with a track record of national exposure and NFL preparation. Even as Henry considers his options, his decision is poised to influence other top recruits and could shape the 2026 recruiting cycle for multiple programs. His eventual choice will carry weight well beyond the Ducks or Buckeyes.

2. Coaching Changes Shake Recruiting

The coaching carousel that has dominated college football this offseason is central to Henry’s reevaluation. Brian Hartline’s move from Ohio State to USF was the catalyst for Henry reopening his recruitment. Hartline’s presence in Columbus had been a key factor in Henry’s original commitment, and his absence has introduced uncertainty. Oregon’s own coaching vacancy complicates the picture further. With Will Stein departing for Kentucky, the Ducks are recruiting without the guidance of a current offensive coordinator—a challenge that makes their projected lead in Henry’s recruitment all the more notable. Ohio State, however, is not backing down. Head coach Ryan Day reportedly reached out personally in the past week to make a final pitch to Henry. Day highlighted his program’s history of producing first-round NFL receivers, a selling point aimed at countering Oregon’s appeal despite its strong recent recruiting performance. The broader coaching shakeup, including moves at Auburn and other major programs, has left several top prospects reassessing their plans. Henry’s decision may serve as a bellwether for how coaching stability—or instability—affects elite recruits’ choices.

3. Decision Looms for Henry

Henry is weighing his options carefully, with Oregon currently holding the edge according to multiple sources. CBS Sports reporter Tom Loy confirmed that the Mater Dei standout is considering both Oregon and USC, emphasizing that proximity to home is a factor in his deliberation. Despite Ohio State’s efforts to retain him, the appeal of a new environment and the promise of immediate impact may influence Henry’s ultimate decision. The Ducks’ offer, combined with USC’s program history, presents a unique opportunity for him to chart his own path. Timing remains flexible, as Henry can still sign in March and participate in spring training. This window allows him to thoroughly assess his options while ensuring he joins a program ready to utilize his skills from the outset. Regardless of the outcome, Henry’s choice will generate headlines and likely set the tone for recruiting battles in the 2026 cycle. Programs vying for top receivers will be watching closely to see which factors carry the most weight.