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Ryan Day’s $20M Flex in Jeopardy as Sherrone Moore Clears His Intentions on 5-Star OSU Commit Chris Henry Jr. - sportupdate
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Ryan Day’s $20M Flex in Jeopardy as Sherrone Moore Clears His Intentions on 5-Star OSU Commit Chris Henry Jr.

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Ohio State head coach Ryan Day’s recruiting prowess has been on full display over the past few seasons, securing top-tier talent to maintain the Buckeyes’ dominance in college football. However, one of his most prized commitments, five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., has now become a focal point in an emerging battle between Ohio State and Michigan. With Michigan’s head coach Sherrone Moore making his intentions clear regarding Henry Jr., the stability of OSU’s recruiting class is now in jeopardy. Day, who has solidified himself as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football with a lucrative $20 million contract flex, now faces a significant challenge as Michigan aggressively pursues Henry Jr.

Chris Henry Jr., the son of the late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry, is one of the most highly regarded recruits in the 2026 class. At 6-foot-5 and possessing elite athleticism, Henry Jr. has drawn comparisons to some of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Ohio State appeared to have locked in his commitment early, with Henry Jr. pledging to the Buckeyes in July 2023, citing the program’s track record of producing elite receivers and the mentorship of Brian Hartline, OSU’s renowned wide receivers coach. However, with the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting and the emergence of Michigan as a legitimate title contender under Sherrone Moore, the situation has taken a dramatic turn.


Moore, who took over the Wolverines’ program following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, has wasted no time in making a statement on the recruiting trail. His approach has been aggressive, targeting Ohio State’s commitments in an effort to shift the power dynamic in the Big Ten. The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is already one of the most heated in college football, and Moore’s direct interest in flipping Henry Jr. from OSU to Michigan has only added fuel to the fire.

For Ryan Day, keeping Henry Jr. in the fold is crucial. As one of the foundational pieces of Ohio State’s future offense, Henry Jr. represents not just an elite talent but a player who could help maintain OSU’s dominance in the passing game. The Buckeyes have long been known for their ability to develop wide receivers, with recent first-round draft picks such as Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. serving as proof of the program’s ability to prepare players for the next level. Henry Jr. had initially been drawn to that legacy, but with Michigan’s resurgence, the Buckeyes are now facing a real threat to their grip on the five-star receiver.

Moore’s pursuit of Henry Jr. is not just about adding a top talent to Michigan’s roster—it’s also about sending a message. By actively targeting one of OSU’s highest-rated commits, Moore is making it clear that Michigan is no longer playing from behind in recruiting battles. Michigan’s recent success on the field, including back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances and a national championship victory, has given the Wolverines newfound credibility in the eyes of recruits. For years, Ohio State had an edge in player development, but Michigan’s recent dominance in the Big Ten has changed that narrative. If Moore can secure Henry Jr.’s commitment, it would be a massive statement that Michigan is now a recruiting powerhouse capable of competing with the best.

The battle for Henry Jr. also highlights the growing influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college football recruiting. Both Ohio State and Michigan have strong NIL programs, but the way they are structured and presented to recruits can make a difference. Ohio State has worked to ensure its NIL program is competitive, but Michigan’s recent success and new leadership under Moore could be reshaping the way high-profile recruits view their earning potential. If Henry Jr. sees Michigan as a place where he can thrive both on and off the field financially, it could be a deciding factor in his recruitment.

For Ryan Day, the pressure is mounting. Losing Henry Jr. to Michigan would not only be a blow to OSU’s recruiting class but also a major perception hit in the ongoing rivalry. Ohio State’s recent struggles against Michigan, including three consecutive losses in “The Game,” have already led to increased scrutiny on Day’s ability to win the most important matchup of the season. If he also starts losing key recruiting battles to Michigan, the criticism will only intensify.

The Buckeyes will now need to reinforce their commitment to Henry Jr., ensuring that he remains confident in his decision to stay with Ohio State. That means continued engagement from Day and Hartline, as well as potentially enhancing NIL opportunities to make sure Henry Jr. does not see Michigan as a more attractive option. It will also require strong on-field performance, as recruits often look at how teams are trending when making their final decisions. If Ohio State struggles in the upcoming season while Michigan continues to dominate, Henry Jr. may feel more inclined to switch sides.

Moore, on the other hand, has every reason to believe he can pull off the flip. His aggressive approach to recruiting, coupled with Michigan’s current dominance in the Big Ten, gives him a legitimate shot at convincing Henry Jr. to reconsider his commitment. If Moore can land the five-star receiver, it would be a defining moment in his early tenure as Michigan’s head coach and a clear signal that the Wolverines are ready to go toe-to-toe with Ohio State in recruiting battles.

As the battle for Henry Jr. unfolds, it underscores just how high the stakes are in modern college football recruiting. A single commitment can shift the trajectory of a program, and with NIL, conference realignment, and coaching changes all playing a role, nothing is certain until a player signs his letter of intent. For now, Ohio State remains Henry Jr.’s committed school, but with Michigan making a strong push, the Buckeyes have a fight on their hands to ensure he ultimately wears the scarlet and gray.

For Ryan Day, the battle for Henry Jr. is about more than just one recruit—it’s about maintaining Ohio State’s status as the premier program in the Big Ten. If Michigan succeeds in flipping Henry Jr., it could mark a turning point in the rivalry, showing that the Wolverines are not just winning on the field but also in the recruiting landscape. Day’s $20 million flex may have solidified his place among the highest-paid coaches in the sport, but in college football, success is measured by wins and recruiting victories. If he can’t secure Henry Jr., it will raise further questions about whether he can keep up with Michigan’s rising dominance.

The coming months will be crucial as Henry Jr. evaluates his options. With Moore making his intentions clear and Michigan ramping up its efforts, Ohio State will need to pull out all the stops to keep one of its most prized commitments. In a rivalry as intense as Ohio State vs. Michigan, every battle matters, and the fight for Chris Henry Jr. could be one of the most pivotal recruiting wars in recent memory.



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