Chris Henry Jr. is Ohio State’s highest-ranked commit in the 2026 recruiting class, according to every major national recruiting service. He has drawn significant attention from the media and other schools due to his elite potential and stardom.

ESPN analysts Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill recently compared Henry to Arizona standout Tetairoa McMillan, a wide receiver regarded as one of the best in college football last year and one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. This comparison underscores Henry’s rare blend of physical gifts and on-field polish, positioning him as a future cornerstone for the Buckeyes—and potentially beyond.

Haubert and Luginbill emphasized the striking similarities between Henry and Haubert, noting, “Henry and McMillan each have rare height and length at their position. Few wide receivers who are 6-foot-5 or taller can move, shake, and produce after the catch at their level.” At nearly 6-foot-6, Henry mirrors McMillan’s towering frame, a trait that sets both apart in a game increasingly dominated by speed and agility.

The analysts highlighted their shared ability to excel in the vertical passing game, stating, “Both targets show an amazing run-and-catch aspect in the vertical passing game. Even when they’re covered, they aren’t really covered.” This knack for winning contested catches stems from their combination of reach and ability to rise above defenders.

Haubert and Luginbill go on to add that “Their long arms and ability to elevate in traffic create distinct advantages on the jump ball.” They also praised their “twitchiness,” likening it to Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins, a quality that distinguishes them from other receivers of their stature.

When examining Henry’s high school film alongside McMillan’s college tape, the parallels become even clearer. Both players possess extraordinary size—Henry at close to 6-6 and 195 pounds, and McMillan with a similarly imposing build—yet defy expectations with their agility and fluidity.

Henry’s explosiveness off the line, lateral quickness, and massive catch radius echo McMillan’s ability to create separation through technique and dominate at all three levels of the field. Each showcases a rare combination of long speed to stretch defenses and the physicality to thrive in clutch situations, such as third downs or in the red zone.

Their dominance in contested catch scenarios, paired with reliable hands and advanced ball-tracking skills, makes them both matchup nightmares. While Henry’s frame still has room to fill out, much like McMillan’s did before college, both profiles suggest a trajectory toward becoming scheme-versatile, go-to receivers at the next level.

What makes this comparison particularly compelling is how it reflects their potential impact. Henry will be one of the top overall recruits in the 2026 class, much like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith in 2024. The “alpha receiver” we saw McMillan become in College Football is where many will expect Henry to be as well.

Despite his commitment to Ohio State, Henry has scheduled summer visits to explore other options: Miami (May 30- June 1), USC (June 6-8), Oregon (June 13-15), and Ohio State (June 20-22). Fans might not like it, but in an era of rapid change in college football—coaching turnover, NIL deals, and conference realignment—it’s common for recruits to consider backup plans.