The Oregon Ducks made significant strides in their recruiting efforts this week, hosting several top prospects for the first day of spring practices, including five-star quarterback Jared Curtis from Nashville Christian School (Tennessee). However, one unexpected development has created a buzz among fans and analysts alike.
On Friday, Chris Henry Jr., a five-star wide receiver from Mater Dei High School (California), posted a series of photos on Instagram Live revealing that he was visiting Oregon. Henry, who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 200 pounds, is ranked as ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class. The surprising move raised eyebrows given Henry’s long-standing commitment to Ohio State, which he made in July 2023.
Although Henry has been committed to Ohio State for nearly a year, he has visited Oregon multiple times. In addition to this visit, he has scheduled four official visits to top programs: Miami (May 30), USC (June 6), Oregon (June 13), and Ohio State (June 20). This continued interest in Oregon suggests that the Ducks may be in a position to make a serious push for one of the nation’s top talents.
Despite his strong commitment to the Buckeyes, the Ducks have been trending upward in recent years, particularly in recruiting wide receivers. After several near-misses in previous recruiting cycles, including a notable flip by wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to Arizona in 2022, Oregon has experienced a resurgence in landing elite pass-catchers. Over the last three years, the Ducks have secured commitments from top talents like Jurrion Dickey, Jeremiah McClellan, Dakorien Moore, and Cooper Perry.
Could Oregon be in a position to pair Moore and Henry Jr. in the future? That appears to be the goal for head coach Dan Lanning and his staff as they continue to build a dynamic and elite receiving corps. Oregon’s ability to attract top-tier wide receivers has positioned them as a contender for Henry Jr.’s commitment, even if the task of flipping him from Ohio State will be challenging.
247Sports has high praise for Henry Jr. as a prospect, especially considering his potential. After missing most of his junior season due to a knee injury, Henry’s size, athleticism, and skill set have impressed evaluators. At nearly 6-6 and 200 pounds, Henry combines exceptional length with surprising agility and lateral quickness for a player of his size. His ability to change direction, explode off the line, and stretch the field makes him a dangerous weapon for any offense.
Known for his dominant ability to catch jump balls, Henry has also displayed the versatility to be a go-to target in critical situations, including on third downs. His strength, coupled with his growing physicality, suggests that his game will reach new heights as he continues to develop. With such a high ceiling, it’s clear why Oregon is making a strong push to convince Henry to join their program.
The Ducks are not only hoping to secure Henry’s commitment but also to continue building a championship-caliber roster with some of the best talent in the nation. With the 2026 class shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, Oregon is showing that they are more than capable of competing for top prospects, even against powerhouse programs like Ohio State.