In a surprise move, five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. has decommitted from Ohio State and announced his pledge to Ole Miss. This decision, made after evaluating offers from Mississippi State and LSU, represents a huge success for the Rebels in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Henry Jr., the son of the late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry, has been a key member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class since committing in July 2023. His decision to relaunch his recruitment shocked the collegiate football community, especially given his past strong ties to the Buckeyes. During his pledge, Henry Jr. voiced faith in Ohio State’s coaching staff, specifically wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, saying, “I chose Ohio State because of the development at my position; nobody is better than Coach Hartline at what he does.”
However, the recruiting environment is ever-changing, and Ole Miss seized the opportunity to grab Henry Jr.’s talents. The Rebels’ coaching staff, led by Lane Kiffin, provided a compelling vision that Henry Jr. could relate to. Their offensive scheme, known for its dynamic and receiver-friendly approach, most certainly influenced his decision.
This commitment reflects Ole Miss’s growing national significance. Securing a player of Henry Jr.’s calibre not only improves the team’s skill pool, but also sends a message to other top recruits about the program’s future prospects. The Rebels’ ability to outperform traditional powerhouses like Mississippi State and LSU in this recruitment war demonstrates their improved recruiting techniques and appeal.
This decommitment marks a huge loss for Ohio State. Henry Jr. was expected to play a big role in the Buckeyes’ offence, and his departure leaves a vacuum in their future plans. The Buckeyes have a long history of producing excellent wide receivers, and while this setback is significant, their established recruiting infrastructure suggests they will continue to draw top players.
Henry Jr.’s decision also demonstrates the fluidity of collegiate football recruiting. Prospects are always assessing their alternatives, driven by coaching changes, program performance, and personal development objectives. As a result, commitments are becoming more dynamic, with athletes seeking situations that best match their goals.
To summarise, Chris Henry Jr.’s decision to Ole Miss marks a watershed moment for the Rebels’ 2025 recruiting class. It indicates the program’s growing popularity and strategic success in acquiring elite personnel. As the college football landscape evolves, such high-profile commitments will play an important part in determining the competitive balance among elite institutions.