Chris Henry Jr. is one of the most talked-about players in the Class of 2026. He is 18 years old and a wide receiver at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. He is a five-star recruit and the son of late NFL star Chris Henry Sr. He is also a multi-sport athlete with impressive physical measurables. Schools like Ohio State, Oregon, and USC have been following him closely.
On December 3, 2025, the early signing period brought drama. Coaching changes and big NIL offers made his decision story one of the most compelling in the cycle.
This article explores Chris Henry Jr. from his roots in Cincinnati to his high school career, recruitment saga, and the future ahead.
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Who is Chris Henry Jr? Early Life and Family Legacy
Chris Henry Jr. was born on July 14, 2007, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father, Chris Henry Sr., played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2005 to 2009. Henry Sr. had 167 catches, 2,336 yards, and 23 touchdowns in 58 games. He was known for explosive plays and highlight catches.
Tragically, Henry Sr. died on December 17, 2009, at age 26. During a domestic dispute in Charlotte, North Carolina, he fell from a moving pickup truck driven by his fiancée, Loleini Tonga, who is now Henry Jr.’s mother. He suffered fatal head trauma. An autopsy also revealed early-stage CTE.
Henry Jr. was two years old at the time. He was mainly raised by his mother, Loleini, who guided him while honoring his father’s memory.
He has siblings:
- Seini Henry – Class of 2024, basketball star
- DeMarcus Henry – Class of 2027, top basketball recruit
Henry Jr. was also partly raised by Adam “Pacman” Jones, a former Bengals teammate and close family friend. Henry calls him “Uncle Pac.” Jones became a father figure and housed the family for some time, providing stability and discipline.
Growing up, Henry Jr. watched his father’s highlights and dreamed of making similar plays. He also played basketball and ran track, but football was always his main focus. He told ESPN in 2024:
“My dad was my hero. I play for him every snap, but I’m building my own story.”
Quick Facts About Chris Henry Jr.
| Personal Fact | Details |
|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Henry Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 2007 |
| Age (as of Dec 4, 2025) | 18 years old |
| Birthplace | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Wide Receiver (WR) |
| Height | 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) |
| Weight | 210 pounds (95 kg) |
| High School (Current) | Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, California) |
| Previous High Schools | West Clermont High School (Batavia, Ohio; freshman year); Withrow High School (Cincinnati, Ohio; sophomore year) |
| College Commitment | Ohio State Buckeyes (Class of 2026; committed July 2023) |
| Recruiting Ranking | Five-star recruit; #1 WR and #2 overall player in Class of 2026 by ESPN |
| Father | Chris Henry Sr. (May 17, 1983 – December 17, 2009), former NFL wide receiver for Cincinnati Bengals |
| Mother | Loleini Tonga (also known as Loleini Henry) |
| Siblings | Sister: Seini Henry (top girls’ basketball player, Class of 2024); Brother: DeMarcus Henry (top basketball recruit, Class of 2027) |
| Other Family/Guardians | Raised in part by former NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones, father figure; lived with Jones family in Ohio for a time |
| 40-Yard Dash Time | 4.57 seconds (recorded at Ohio State camp, June 2022) |
| High School Stats (Freshman, West Clermont, 2022) | 29 receptions, 292 yards, 5 touchdowns; 2 rushes for 48 yards |
| High School Stats (Sophomore, Withrow, 2023) | 71 receptions, 1,127 yards, 10 touchdowns (school record) |
| High School Stats (Junior, Mater Dei, 2024) | 3 receptions, 20 yards, 2 touchdowns (in 2 games; season cut short by knee injury) |
| High School Highlights | Set Withrow school record for receiving yards; All-State selection (2023); Key player in Mater Dei’s national title runs; Known for elite size, speed, and contested catches; Standout performance in 2025 Super 25 win vs. Bishop Gorman |
| Other Athletic Achievements | Multi-sport athlete; Track: 23.42 seconds in 200-meter dash (March 2023) |
| Hobbies and Interests | Watching highlights of his father’s NFL career; involved in community outreach programs in Ohio and California; active on social media sharing game highlights, family moments, and Ohio State commitment; enjoys storytelling sessions with father’s former teammates like T.J. Houshmandzadeh |
| Other Personal Notes | Carries legacy of father while forging his own path; transferred to Mater Dei in Feb 2024 for elite competition; aims to honor father’s memory through football excellence and positive community impact |
High School Career
Henry Jr.’s high school career shows ambition and adaptability:
- 2022 (Freshman, West Clermont High, Ohio): 29 catches, 292 yards, 5 TDs; 2 rushes for 48 yards; defensive interceptions.
- 2023 (Sophomore, Withrow High, Ohio): 71 catches, 1,127 yards, 10 TDs; All-State; school record for receptions. Highlight plays included contested catches and a 60-yard TD.
- 2024 (Junior, Mater Dei High, California): Only 2 games due to knee injury; 3 catches, 20 yards, 2 TDs.
- 2025 (Senior, Mater Dei): Partial season; 4 catches, 134 yards, 2 TDs; 81-yard TD in opener before knee injury.
Henry Jr. moved 2,000 miles to California in 2024 for stronger competition. Despite injuries, he impressed scouts with 36-inch vertical, soft hands, and ability to catch in traffic.
He also ran track, recording 23.42 seconds in the 200-meter dash in March 2023, showing speed for football.
Physical Attributes
Henry Jr. is 6-foot-6 (some list 6-5) and 210 pounds. He is a prototype wide receiver, ideal for red-zone fades and deep passes.
His long arms and shoulders help him catch over defenders. His body control allows mid-air twists and one-hand catches.
At an Ohio State camp in June 2022, he ran a hand-timed 4.57-second 40-yard dash. He can reach top-end speed, turning screens into big gains. Scouts compare him to Mike Evans and DK Metcalf.
Recruiting Rankings
Henry Jr. is a consensus five-star recruit:
- ESPN: #7 overall, #1 WR
- 247Sports Composite: #10 overall, #1 WR
- On3: #6 overall
Evaluators praise his body control, release, and ball tracking. His multi-sport ability and track speed make him “the most complete receiver in the class.”
Commitment Journey
Henry Jr. committed to Ohio State on July 28, 2023. WR coach Brian Hartline recruited him, impressed by his Ohio roots and Bengals lineage. Henry Jr. said:
“Columbus feels like home. Coach Hartline sees me as the next big thing here.”
Close to signing day, he posted cryptic Instagram stories with hats from Ohio State, Oregon, and USC. On December 3, 2025, Hartline left for USF, causing rumors of a flip.
Reports of NIL offers from rivals surfaced. Henry Jr. tweeted:
“I have not signed yet. Still trying to weigh my options due to coaching changes… God’s plan.”
Ohio State staff reassured him. Despite teammate Kayden Dixon-Wyatt flipping to USC, Henry Jr. signed with Ohio State, becoming their highest-rated WR signee since Jeremiah Smith.
Oregon and USC Pursuit
The Oregon Ducks aggressively recruited Henry Jr. even after his OSU pledge. They offered seven-figure NIL deals and early playing time. USC also made a late push.
Oregon fans dreamed of a duo with Dakorien Moore, but Henry Jr. remained loyal to OSU.
On-Field Highlights
- 81-yard TD in 2025 Mater Dei opener
- One-handed 40-yard catch at Withrow
- Camp routes with double moves
Defensively, he can play safety and intercept passes. ESPN calls him “a walking highlight.”
Stats Breakdown
| Year | School | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | West Clermont | 29 | 292 | 5 | 2 rushes for 48 yds, defensive INTs |
| 2023 | Withrow | 71 | 1,127 | 10 | School record, All-State |
| 2024 | Mater Dei | 3 | 20 | 2 | Season cut short by knee injury |
| 2025 | Mater Dei | 4 | 134 | 2 | 81-yard TD in opener, injured |
Career average: 15.9 yards per catch, with 30% of receptions going 20+ yards.
Athletic Profile
- 40-yard dash: 4.57 sec
- 10-yard split: 1.58 sec
- 20-yard split: <2.70 sec
- Vertical: 36 inches
- Top speed: 20+ mph
He is a rare size-speed combination and a vertical threat.
Signing Day Drama
December 3, 2025, was chaotic. Scheduled at 7:30 a.m. PT, Hartline left OSU at 9:45 a.m. ET. Henry Jr. delayed signing, posting Instagram updates.
False reports claimed he signed with OSU or was flipping to Oregon. USC flipped his teammate, and Oregon’s Moore posted public recruitment pleas.
By evening, Henry Jr. signed with Ohio State, posting “God’s plan”. It showed resilience amid NIL-fueled recruiting chaos.
Looking Ahead
Henry Jr. plans early enrollment at Ohio State in January 2026. He will compete with Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. He is projected as a 2027 NFL Draft lottery pick.
From Cincinnati kid honoring a lost father to Buckeyes star, Henry Jr. is continuing and elevating his family legacy.
FAQs
Why did Chris Henry Jr. delay signing with Ohio State?
Chris Henry Jr. delayed signing with Ohio State due to coaching changes, specifically offensive coordinator Brian Hartline leaving for a head coaching job at South Florida. He wanted to carefully weigh his options before making the right decision for his future.
Did Chris Henry Jr. consider flipping his commitment?
Yes, there was speculation that Henry Jr. might flip. On December 2, 2025, he posted a picture of hats from USC, Oregon, and Ohio State on Instagram, fueling rumors that he was reconsidering his commitment at the last moment.
Where did Chris Henry Jr. play high school football before Ohio State?
Henry Jr. started at West Clermont High School as a freshman and then moved to Withrow High School in Cincinnati for his sophomore year, where he had 71 catches for 1,127 yards and 10 touchdowns. For the last two years, he has played at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, one of the top high school football programs in the country.
What was Chris Henry’s cause of death?
Chris Henry died on December 17, 2009, from head trauma after falling (or jumping) from the bed of a moving pickup truck during a domestic dispute. An autopsy also showed he had CTE from repeated head impacts in the NFL.
Who is Chris Henry Jr.?
Chris Henry Jr. is an 18-year-old elite high school wide receiver, committed to Ohio State (Class of 2026), ranked #1 at his position by ESPN. He is 6’6″, known for contested catches, and continues his late father’s NFL legacy while playing at Mater Dei High School.
Where is Chris Henry Jr. now?
As of December 2025, he is a junior at Mater Dei High School in California, recovering from a knee injury that ended his 2024 season early, and preparing for his senior year before joining Ohio State.
Which schools are still in the running for Chris Henry Jr.?
Despite his prior commitment to Ohio State, Chris Henry Jr. is also considering Oregon and USC. All three programs are actively pursuing him with offers and reassurances about his role and future.
Is Chris Henry Jr related to Chris Henry?
Yes, he is the son of former NFL wide receiver Chris Henry Sr., who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and died in 2009 when Jr. was 2 years old.
Who has 14 kids in the NFL?
Former NFL cornerback Antonio Cromartie has 14 children with multiple partners, including 8 with his wife Terricka Cason.
How many NFL players have gotten CTE?
Out of 376 deceased NFL players studied, 345 (91.7%) were diagnosed with CTE. The real number is unknown, but it is linked to repeated head trauma.
Can you wear 69 in the NFL?
Yes, players can wear number 69, mostly offensive linemen or eligible receivers who declare it. It is allowed and has been worn by many players.
Who has the worst case of CTE in the NFL?
Aaron Hernandez had the most severe documented CTE in someone under 46. Other severe cases include Kevin Turner and Junior Seau.
Did Tom Brady ever tear his ACL?
Yes, he tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee on September 7, 2008, and missed the entire season. He also played in 2020 with a torn MCL.
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