ESPN’s Class of 2026 rankings has Ohio State commit, wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., as the top of its list.
Chris Henry Jr., a five-star wide receiver and Ohio State commit, has been recognized as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2026 by ESPN. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 200 pounds, Henry’s combination of size, athleticism, and skill has garnered national attention.
Henry’s football journey is deeply intertwined with his family’s legacy. He is the son of the late Chris Henry Sr., a former NFL wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who tragically passed away in 2009. Following his father’s death, Henry Jr. was taken in by Adam “Pacman” Jones, a close friend and former teammate of his father at West Virginia University. Jones has played a significant role in Henry Jr.’s upbringing and football development.
Henry Jr. began his high school football career at West Clermont High School in Batavia, Ohio, where he showcased his versatility on both offense and defense. He recorded 29 receptions for 292 yards and five touchdowns, along with 16 tackles and three interceptions as a defensive back during his freshman year. Seeking greater competition and exposure, he transferred to Withrow High School in Cincinnati for his sophomore season. There, he set a school record with 1,127 receiving yards on 71 catches, scoring 10 touchdowns.
In January 2024, Henry Jr. made a strategic move to Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, a powerhouse known for producing elite football talent. This transition was aimed at furthering his development by competing against top-tier talent. At Mater Dei, he regularly faces off against fellow elite recruits in practice, providing him with invaluable experience as he prepares for the collegiate level.
Henry Jr.’s commitment to Ohio State in July 2023 marked a significant milestone in his recruitment. He chose the Buckeyes over other prominent programs, including Georgia, Clemson, and USC. His decision was heavily influenced by Ohio State’s track record of developing NFL-caliber wide receivers under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. The Buckeyes have produced several first-round NFL draft picks at the wide receiver position in recent years, a lineage that Henry Jr. aims to join.
Training under the mentorship of former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Henry Jr. has honed his skills alongside professional players, including Michael Pittman Jr. and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Houshmandzadeh, who played with Henry Sr. on the Bengals, has noted striking similarities between father and son, particularly in their playing style and demeanor on the field.
Henry Jr.’s ascent to the top of the 2026 recruiting class is a testament to his dedication and talent. His unique blend of size, speed, and technical proficiency makes him a formidable presence on the field. As he continues to develop at Mater Dei and prepares for his future at Ohio State, the football world eagerly anticipates the impact he will make at the collegiate level and beyond.
In addition to his athletic prowess, Henry Jr. carries the legacy of his father with him, using it as motivation to carve out his own path in the football world. Surrounded by mentors who have deep connections to his father’s memory, he is poised to honor that legacy while making a name for himself.
As the top-ranked recruit in his class, Henry Jr. embodies the next generation of football talent, blending natural ability with a profound personal drive. His journey from Ohio to the national stage serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance, legacy, and the pursuit of excellence.
