Chris Henry Jr. makes big plays in playoff win

Class of 2026 Ohio State wide receiver commit Chris Henry Jr. continues to establish himself as one of the nation’s top sophomore football prospects. The Cincinnati (Ohio) Withrow star is in the midst of a monster season for the Tigers and came up with several big plays in a 16-7 second round playoff win over powerhouse Winton Woods on Friday night.

The Tigers’ program is in the midst of a total resurgence spearheaded by head coach Kali Jones and big-time players like Henry Jr. and the win over Winton Woods was a major statement.

“It feels great,” said Henry Jr. after the game. “It’s a big program achievement. Just glad we got the win, it’s a tough opponent.”

Henry Jr. did not find the end zone in a game where points were at a premium but he had long catches to setup both second half scores, a touchdown and a field goal respectively, making big plays in big moments for the Tigers.

“We were just taking what they gave us,” he said. “When they gave us the chance, we took the opportunity, took it and ran with it. We were just staying disciplined and waiting for our moment.”

At 6-foot-5, Henry Jr. has always been a tough physical matchup for corners who simply can’t match that kind of size. But this season, he has blossomed into a player who is also dangerous after catch. A good portion of Henry Jr.’s yards on Friday night came after the catch with an array of impressive open field moves.

“I’ve developed tremendously here at Withrow,” he explained. “I’ve got great coaches. I’ve just developed so much over the summer and got a lot smarter.”

On the recruiting front, Henry Jr. has been a mainstay at Ohio State football games this season, most recently taking in the win over Penn State.

“That was a great game,” he recalled. “The atmosphere was amazing. I think it’s the best atmosphere in the country.”

The connection with Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline was a driving factor in his early pledge to the Buckeyes over the summer. The two continue to speak on a weekly basis.

“We talk all the time,” he started. “He just tells me to keep working hard, keep doing great things.”

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