Spring practices have officially begun for college football teams, and for Ohio State, the excitement of their national championship victory has likely settled. Head coach Ryan Day is now focused on building upon that legacy, securing his future at the program with a newly signed contract worth $11.5 million annually through 2031. With a strong foundation in place, the Buckeyes are preparing for another potential title run.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Success and Future Challenges
Ryan Day has put together an impressive 2025 recruiting class, currently ranked 5th in the nation. This class features top-tier prospects such as quarterback Tavien St. Clair, cornerback Devin Sanchez, and wide receiver Quincy Porter. Additionally, the transfer portal has brought in key additions like running back CJ Donaldson from West Virginia, offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa from Rice, and tight end Max Klare from Purdue. These moves strengthen Ohio State’s roster as they continue their pursuit of dominance.
With the 2025 recruiting cycle largely settled, attention has shifted to the 2026 class. Ohio State has already secured commitments from five players, including high-profile recruits Max Riley (interior offensive lineman), Jakob Weatherspoon (athlete), and Jaeden Ricketts (wide receiver). However, the centerpiece of this class is five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., a highly touted prospect ranked 2nd nationally. His commitment would be a massive win for Ohio State, but rival programs are actively trying to flip him.
Chris Henry Jr.’s Recruitment Battle
Despite his verbal commitment to Ohio State, Henry Jr. is still exploring other options. He has received offers from 35 programs and is scheduling official visits to Michigan (May 30), USC (June 6), Oregon (June 13), and Ohio State (June 20). These visits suggest that his commitment is not yet solidified, creating uncertainty for Buckeyes fans.
One of the biggest threats to Ohio State’s hold on Henry Jr. is Oregon. The young receiver has openly expressed admiration for the Ducks, posting pictures of their training facilities and spending time with head coach Dan Lanning. In an interview, he praised Oregon’s coaching staff, particularly wide receivers coach Junior Adams, stating, “When I went up there to the Saturday Night Live, we clicked. He’s just a good coach, he knows what he’s talking about. Great guy for sure.”
Henry Jr.’s recruitment is particularly significant given his family’s athletic background. He is the son of the late Chris Henry Sr., a former wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. His sister is a standout basketball player at Ohio State, and his younger brother is a highly regarded basketball prospect in the 2027 class. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 195 pounds, Henry Jr. has a combination of size, speed, and agility that makes him a coveted asset for any college program.
Ohio State’s Chances of Retaining Henry Jr.
According to On3’s recruitment projections, Ohio State currently has only a 30.8% chance of keeping Henry Jr. Other programs, such as West Virginia and Cincinnati, are also in the mix, but Oregon appears to be the most serious challenger. If the Ducks succeed in flipping him, it would be a significant setback for Ohio State’s recruiting efforts.
Another Recruiting Battle: Deuce Geralds
As if the fight for Henry Jr. wasn’t enough, Ohio State is also facing competition for four-star defensive lineman Deuce Geralds. While Ohio State has been the expected favorite, Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss program has emerged as a major contender. Geralds, a highly regarded defensive lineman from Georgia, has made multiple visits to several schools, including Clemson and LSU. However, he has visited Ole Miss the most (five times), followed closely by LSU (four times). He is set to visit Michigan on March 28, which could further complicate his decision.
Recruiting experts suggest that Geralds’ decision will likely come down to the wire, with Ryan Day and Lane Kiffin going head-to-head for his commitment.
What’s Next for Ohio State?
While Ryan Day remains one of the top recruiters in college football, rival programs are aggressively challenging his ability to lock down elite talent. Ohio State’s chances of retaining Chris Henry Jr. and securing Deuce Geralds are far from guaranteed. With official visits on the horizon, the Buckeyes must work diligently to ensure they do not suffer any major recruiting losses.
The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of Ohio State’s roster, and Ryan Day’s ability to navigate these recruitment battles will play a crucial role in determining whether the Buckeyes remain championship contenders.