Wild Ohio State recruiting saga ends with Buckeyes landing their top target

For 48 hours, the sky was falling in Columbus, Ohio.

Chris Henry Jr., the generational wide receiver talent and crown jewel of Ohio State’s recruiting class, took Buckeye Nation on an emotional rollercoaster that rivaled the intensity of a College Football Playoff game.

After appearing to be a lock for Ohio State, the foundation of his recruitment crumbled on National Signing Day — only to be rebuilt live on national television Friday.

Here’s a look at the chaotic events that nearly cost Ohio State its most prized recruit.

Chris Henry Jr.'s long-standing pledge to Ohio State

To understand the panic of the Buckyeyes, you must understand the commitment. Henry Jr. has been the face of their future since he committed to Ohio State in July 2023. The five-star prospect and son of the late NFL star seemed inextricably linked to the Buckeyes. He was the next great heir to "Zone 6," the wide receiver room that has become the NFL’s premier feeder system with players such at Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks) and Garrett Wilson (New York Jets).

The wolves at the Chris Henry Jr.'s door

Despite his long-standing verbal pledge, the final stretch of modern recruiting is never safe. In the weeks leading up to signing day, powerhouse programs started making serious pushes.

Both Oregon and USC entered the mix with aggressive pitches — Oregon armed with robust NIL backing and Dan Lanning’s momentum, and USC offering the allure of staying close to his Mater Dei (California) High School. Still, heading into Wednesday morning, confidence in Columbus remained high.

Ohio State co-offensive coordinator/WR coach Brian Hartline exits

The chaos ignited on Wednesday, just when letters of intent were expected to roll in. That's when news broke that Hartline, Ohio State’s co-offensive coordinator and arguably the best wide receiver recruiter in college football history, had accepted the head-coaching job at South Florida.

Afterward, Henry Jr. posted a message that sent shockwaves through the Ohio State fan base. He announced he had not  signed any paperwork and would be "reevaluating" his options because of Hartline's departure.