The Ohio State Buckeyes may not be boasting their strongest overall recruiting class under Ryan Day, but they remain dominant in one crucial area: wide receiver recruiting. Year after year, position coach and recruiting ace Brian Hartline keeps Columbus stocked with some of the most talented pass-catchers in the nation. The 2026 cycle is no different, and despite some outside interference, the Buckeyes’ prized commitments don’t appear to be going anywhere.
Recently, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning and his staff made an aggressive push to flip two of Ohio State’s elite receiver commits: Chris Henry Jr. and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. Both are highly touted prospects, both attend the same high school, and both have already given their pledges to the Buckeyes. Lanning has attempted to lure them westward with official visit invitations and plenty of NIL backing, but so far, his efforts have fallen flat.
The Buckeyes’ 2026 Class: Not Perfect, But Loaded at Receiver
On the surface, Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class has drawn some criticism. By the Buckeyes’ lofty standards, being ranked just ninth in the country is considered a down year. For context, that’s the lowest-ranked class since Ryan Day took over as head coach. Still, a closer look reveals a bright spot that could once again define the program’s future its wide receiver corps.
With five highly rated receivers already on board, Hartline has built what might be the deepest unit in the nation. The headliner, Chris Henry Jr., has been committed for over two years and continues to project as a player who could make an immediate impact in Columbus. His teammate, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, joined the class in May and has shown no signs of second-guessing that decision.
Oregon’s Push and Why It Isn’t Working
According to Tom Loy of 247Sports, Lanning and the Oregon staff have been relentless in their pursuit, especially when it comes to convincing the duo to take a visit to Eugene. That’s step one in every potential flip: get the recruit on campus. But despite the Ducks’ persistence, neither Henry Jr. nor Dixon-Wyatt has budged.
NIL opportunities have been a centerpiece of Oregon’s pitch, but both recruits appear to be unmoved by the financial carrot being dangled in front of them. Instead, they’ve emphasized what Ohio State offers in terms of player development, program prestige, and the chance to compete against the best on the biggest stage in college football. That’s a testament not only to the Buckeyes’ brand but also to the relationships Hartline and the staff have built with these young athletes.
Why Staying at Ohio State Makes Sense
The Buckeyes’ receiver room has become something of a finishing school for future NFL stars. From Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State wideouts have thrived in the college game before making smooth transitions to the pros. That track record is tough for any program, even one as resourced as Oregon, to compete with.
For Henry Jr., the path to early playing time is also realistic. With Carnell Tate likely heading to the NFL Draft in 2026, there could be a spot open for him to contribute as a true freshman. Pairing with other recent recruiting gems like Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, and Mylan Graham would give Ohio State yet another terrifying arsenal of weapons.
Brian Hartline: The Ultimate Closer
At the end of the day, Ryan Day knows who to trust in battles like these. Brian Hartline has earned a reputation as arguably the best recruiter in America, particularly at the receiver position. His ability to identify, connect with, and ultimately land top talent is second to none. It’s why the Buckeyes reload every single year and why Oregon’s push for Henry Jr. and Dixon-Wyatt feels like a long shot at best.
Final Word
Oregon’s effort to poach two of Ohio State’s prized recruits is admirable, but ultimately it looks like a futile pursuit. Chris Henry Jr. has been locked into his commitment for years, and Dixon-Wyatt shows no signs of wavering either. NIL packages and flashy pitches can only go so far when weighed against Ohio State’s proven track record of player development, NFL production, and championship contention.
For Buckeye fans, that’s the real takeaway: while the overall class may not carry the same star-studded ranking as some in the past, the wide receiver room remains as secure and as dangerous as ever.