Jeremiah Smith sends a 3-word request to Chris Henry Jr. as a 5-star recruit delays the commitment announcement

Ohio State wideout Jeremiah Smith has asked Mater Dei Monarchs high school wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. to join the Buckeyes. Henry, who has been verbally committed to Ohio State since 2023, tweeted Wednesday that he has not yet decided on his future.

“Not signed yet. Still trying to weigh my options due to coaching changes, just want to make the right decision for my future. God's plan,” Henry tweeted.

When Smith saw Henry's tweet, he urged the young talent to join him at Ohio State.

“WE NEED YOU!!!!” Smith tweeted.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Ohio State offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline was leaving to become the head coach at South Florida. That move seemed to have an effect on Henry's decision on the five-star recruit.

Henry was expected to sign his letter of intent later Wednesday, but did not follow through. Henry is now reportedly deciding between Ohio State, Oregon and USC.

Hartline worked with several top recruits at Ohio State, including Terry McLaurin, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all of whom now play in the NFL.

Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith named Big Ten Receiver of the Year for 2025 season

On Thursday, Jeremiah Smith was named the wide receiver of the year for the 2025 season. The Ohio State wideout won the award for the second year in a row.

Through 12 games for the top-ranked Buckeyes this season, Smith has 72 receptions for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in receiving TDs.

Smith has recorded four 100-yard games and had a four-game scoring streak to start the season. It will be interesting to see if the superstar can lead the Buckeyes to back-to-back national titles.