For Chris Henry Jr., the journey to Ohio State is about more than football. It’s about honoring his father’s name while forging his own identity
Every catch, touchdown, and route is a tribute to the player and man his father was — and a declaration of the star he is becoming.
In Columbus, he’ll be surrounded by a support system built to help him thrive — not only as a football player but as a person. And if early signs are any indication, Chris Henry Jr. is ready to write his own legacy in scarlet and gray.
In the end, the story isn’t about whether Chris Henry Jr. flips from Ohio State. It’s about the audacity of belief.
It’s about a new coach refusing to play small. And it’s about an HBCU daring to dream big.
With DeSean Jackson at the helm, Delaware State has already made its first statement.
Now, the eyes of college football are watching what comes next.
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Table of Contents
Chris Henry Jr. Offered by Delaware State
DeSean Jackson Makes a Statement
On May 8, 2025, the college football world was jolted by an unexpected move from Delaware State University.1
In a bold and visionary step, DSU extended a scholarship offer to Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 wide receiver in the class of 2026.
The 6-foot-5 phenom out of Mater Dei High School in California had already committed to Ohio State and was considered a lock for the Buckeyes. Yet, the historically Black college made waves when it dared to dream bigger.
The Ripple Effect: HBCU Visibility and Momentum
Even if the Henry offer is symbolic, the ripples may go further than people expect. Recruits who may have never considered DSU are now at least aware.
Parents who want their kids mentored by NFL veterans may take another look. And perhaps most importantly, young Black athletes will see another example of excellence tied to HBCU culture.
What Jackson is doing mirrors the early stages of what Deion Sanders accomplished — raising the bar, changing expectations, and showing that Black-led programs can be bold and competitive.
— Chris Henry Jr (@ChrisHenryJr) May 9, 2025
Delaware State’s Football Future: A New Era?
Delaware State has historically struggled to find consistent success in football. With limited resources and exposure, it has rarely been able to compete for top recruits. Jackson’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new era.
By tapping into his network, promoting a strong culture, and making noise with strategic moves like the Henry offer, Jackson could turn DSU into a destination for talent that might otherwise slip through the cracks.
Mater Dei Pipeline and Long-Term Strategy
Offering a star like Henry isn’t just about one player — it’s about building bridges. Mater Dei has produced a long list of college and NFL talent.
If Jackson can open a pipeline into elite programs like this, even a few mid-tier players looking for a spotlight role could reshape DSU’s roster.
It also shows foresight. By getting involved with Henry, Jackson creates goodwill and brand recognition that could pay off in the long run — maybe not with Henry, but with the next wave of stars.
Chris Henry Jr.: Who Is He?
A Star Among Stars
Chris Henry Jr. is no ordinary recruit. The son of the late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry, he carries a legacy of athletic excellence and football pedigree.2
At Mater Dei, a powerhouse program that consistently churns out top-tier talent, Henry has stood out not only for his physical attributes but also his work ethic and maturity beyond his years.
Standing 6-foot-5 with elite speed, body control, and hands, Henry has drawn comparisons to NFL greats like A.J. Green and Julio Jones.
His early commitment to Ohio State didn’t stop powerhouse programs from at least checking in. Yet, Henry had shut down his recruitment — until Delaware State’s offer made headlines.
DeSean Jackson’s Arrival and Vision
In January 2025, former NFL standout DeSean Jackson took over as head coach at Delaware State University.
After retiring from the NFL in November 2023 and a brief stint as offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, Jackson transitioned into college coaching with a bold purpose.
His arrival wasn’t just about playbooks and wins. It was about culture, identity, and opening new doors for Black athletes. Jackson made it clear: he wasn’t trying to follow in anyone’s footsteps, not even those of Deion Sanders.
“I’m going to do it the Coach Jackson way,” he said. “It’s a morale. It’s a persona. It’s a swagger.”
Comparisons to Deion Sanders: Unavoidable, Yet Unique
When Jackson extended the offer to Henry, fans immediately drew parallels to Deion Sanders and his revolutionary impact at Jackson State.
Coach Prime’s recruitment of top-tier talent, including flipping five-star cornerback Travis Hunter from Florida State, set a precedent. For many, Jackson’s move felt familiar.
“Desean Jackson trynna pull a Deion,” one fan tweeted.
Yet, Jackson was quick to point out that while he respected Sanders, his approach would be his own.
Unlike Sanders, whose charisma and history turned Jackson State into a national topic overnight, Jackson seems to be playing the long game — establishing credibility, setting foundations, and building relationships.
Chris Henry Jr.: Fan Reactions
Amused, Inspired, and Hopeful
The announcement sparked a flurry of social media reactions. Some praised Jackson’s boldness, others appreciated the symbolism.3
“Wouldn’t even be mad, D Jack is a goat in the game,” one fan said.
Others took a humorous approach:
“This is like me offering to date Sydney Sweeney.”
Another referenced Wayne Gretzky (via The Office‘s Michael Scott):
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
The light-hearted responses didn’t diminish the underlying truth — people were watching. Delaware State, a program that rarely makes national headlines in football, was suddenly in the spotlight.
More Than a Recruitment: A Cultural Statement
To Jackson, the offer wasn’t just about trying to flip Henry. It was about planting a flag and making a cultural statement.
Offering a player of Henry’s caliber from a small HBCU like Delaware State was unprecedented — but that’s the point. It challenged the status quo and subtly asked: “Why not us?”
“It’s a morale. It’s a persona. It’s a swagger,” Jackson said.
He was introducing a new mentality — one that says HBCUs can be aspirational destinations, not backup plans.
A Long Shot, but a Loud Message
Realistically, few expect Henry to flip his commitment from Ohio State.
He’s given no indication that he’s reconsidering his decision, and his ties to the Buckeyes run deep. Yet, Jackson’s offer wasn’t necessarily about securing a commitment.
It was about entering the conversation.
The message to recruits, coaches, and college football at large was clear: Delaware State is not content with being overlooked. Under Jackson’s leadership, they are reaching higher, dreaming bigger, and refusing to be boxed in by historical limitations.
Jackson’s NFL Pedigree: A Recruiting Asset
- As a player, DeSean Jackson was electric — a three-time Pro Bowler with a career spanning 15 seasons.
- His 2013 season remains iconic, with 82 catches, 1,332 yards, and nine touchdowns. He finished his career with 11 punt return touchdowns and more than 11,000 receiving yards.
- That kind of resume matters in recruiting. Jackson’s NFL experience offers credibility few can match, especially at the HBCU level.
- His reputation as a big-play threat and student of the game resonates with young receivers. Who better to learn from than someone who played at the highest level for over a decade?
- DeSean Jackson’s decision to offer Chris Henry Jr. was both unexpected and inspiring. It challenged the norms of college football recruiting and added DSU to a national conversation it’s rarely part of.
- Whether or not it results in a commitment, the move showcased Jackson’s belief in his program, his culture, and most importantly, his ability to make an impact.
- He’s betting on himself — and in doing so, inviting others to bet on Delaware State.
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Chris Henry Jr.’s Path to Columbus
Chris Henry Jr. is not just a name; he represents both legacy and untapped potential.
The 6-foot-5, 190-pound phenom from national powerhouse Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California) brings a rare blend of size, speed, and finesse to the Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting class.
The son of former Cincinnati Bengals wideout Chris Henry, who passed away in 2009, Henry Jr. has turned personal tragedy into motivation, using his father’s memory as fuel to reach the top of his game.
Despite being just a junior, Henry Jr. already possesses traits typically seen in upperclassmen at the college level.
His ability to high-point the football, adjust mid-route, and create after the catch has made him one of the most coveted prospects in the nation.
Breaking Down the Commitment: A Star Among Stars
Ohio State’s wide receiver room is loaded — and it just got more lethal. With Henry Jr. officially locked in, the Buckeyes’ 2026 WR class now includes:
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Jaeden Ricketts – An in-state standout from Pataskala (Ohio) Watkins Memorial.
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Brock Boyd – A talented Texan from Southlake Carroll who flipped his commitment from TCU.
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Kayden Dixon-Wyatt – Henry Jr.’s Mater Dei teammate who chose OSU over Oregon.
Together, these four form arguably the most talented WR haul in the country for 2026, and Henry Jr. serves as the crown jewel of the group.
Chris Henry Jr.’s Breakout Performance
One of the most talked-about moments in Chris Henry Jr.’s high school career came in a nationally televised matchup against Bergen Catholic (NJ) in 2023. In just three quarters, Henry torched the defense with 16 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns.
That performance wasn’t just eye-popping — it was a definitive statement.
His combination of smooth route-running, elite body control, and catch radius makes him nearly impossible to defend in single coverage.
Henry Jr. doesn’t just make routine plays; he delivers game-breaking moments that energize his teammates and silence opposing crowds.
The ESPN Breakdown: NFL Traits in a High School Star
ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill offered a glowing scouting report on Henry Jr.’s projected fit at Ohio State.
“To maximize his traits, the Buckeyes will need to deploy Henry on the outside,” said Luginbill. “He’s a one-on-one matchup problem on 50-50 balls. Even when covered, he isn’t really covered.”
Luginbill also pointed out Henry’s after-the-catch ability, comparing his twitchiness and vertical skills to that of established NFL receivers.
Given Ohio State’s track record of developing elite pass-catchers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave, Henry Jr. could be the next in line for stardom.
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Wide Receiver U: Ohio State’s Proven Development Pipeline
Ohio State has earned the nickname “Wide Receiver U” for a reason. Since the arrival of Brian Hartline — widely considered one of the best position coaches and recruiters in college football — the Buckeyes have churned out NFL-ready receivers like clockwork.
Adding Chris Henry Jr. to a room that will likely include highly-ranked players from the 2024 and 2025 cycles only enhances Ohio State’s offensive arsenal.
Hartline’s emphasis on route technique, mental preparation, and positional versatility ensures Henry Jr. will be more than just a deep threat — he’ll be a complete receiver.
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt: Familiar Faces, Future Chemistry
Having a high school teammate like Kayden Dixon-Wyatt also headed to Columbus is a major advantage for Henry Jr. The two already share on-field chemistry and a deep understanding of each other’s tendencies.
Dixon-Wyatt, a slick route-runner in his own right, gives the Buckeyes another explosive weapon from Mater Dei.
Their pre-existing connection could allow for a smoother transition to the college game and faster integration into Ohio State’s complex offense.
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