Oregon Ducks could dramatically change a nagging narrative if they pull off top commitment flip from new Big Ten rival

It's been a seemingly foregone conclusion that wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., the top overall recruit in the 2026 class, would be lining up for Ohio State when he makes his college debut. Oregon, however, has not been letting go of their aspirations to flip Henry's commitment , and it seems like they're not going away without a fight.

In a recent interview with On3 , Henry raved about the Ducks. It sounds like his commitment to Ohio State is not a done deal.

Chris Henry Jr. is 'really high on Oregon'

Henry has great things to say about Oregon, which should be incredibly exciting for Ducks fans.

“I am really high on Oregon,” Henry told On3. “Since my first visit in March, communication has been great, they are recruiting me harder than anyone and I really like the energy and the staff there.”

Henry also had great things to say about Junior Adams, Oregon's wide receivers coach.

“I talk to coach Adams and coach Lanning every day. They don’t stop. They are great people, great coaches and Oregon is a great program," he said. “I love the staff there. Coach Adams and I really vibe. He is like an OG. He knows what he is teaching and he is a great guy. Coach Lanning has great energy. I get good vibes every time we talk and I love what he is doing at Oregon."

Every day? You could say things are getting pretty serious.

On an important note, Henry also said that he will be back at Oregon this season and will continue to build his relationships with them.

"My interest is high in Oregon and they are up there for me," Henry said.

It will be hard to swoop him away from Ohio State

For all the wonderful things that he had to say about the Ducks, he was equally glowing about Ohio State, namely in the development that they have had with past wide receivers. That is clearly a selling point that the Buckeyes have that the Ducks do not.

“Coach Brian Hartline and the development that he has done there has always stood out. How is a great teacher who knows how the develop players and get them drafted. How he coaches are our relationships are things that stand out to me about him." Henry said.

“Ohio State is aware of Oregon. They see all of the Oregon stuff, so they are still recruiting me hard. They check in on me some too, but they are recruiting me the same way they always have. My feelings are the same.

Chris Henry Jr. would be a massive momentum changer for the Oregon Ducks

For years, Oregon hasn't been able to get the big time wide receivers, and as a program, they have never had a wide receiver get selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The narrative started to change on July 4 when Oregon won out on the commitment of Dakorien Moore, the No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the country in the 2025 recruiting class .

If Oregon is able to flip Henry as well, then that would give Oregon a fearsome duo of receivers and instill fear into the rest of the country that the Ducks are capable of not only landing elite playmakers, but also capable of flipping them from top competition like Ohio State.

Related: Oregon Ducks defense will look to dominate with stud offseason transfer portal additions

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