Ohio State Buckeyes: Two Freshmen WRs Poised for Early Impact
True freshmen Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd are competing for early playing time at Ohio State, according to reports. While Jeremiah Smith broke freshman receiving records in 2024, these two newcomers enter a depth chart where only four receivers have recorded at least 50 FBS targets, creating a possible path for immediate contribution.
Why are Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd competing for early playing time?
Chris Henry Jr. arrived in Columbus as a five-star recruit and the No. 2 wideout in the 2026 recruiting class according to 247Sports. The 6-foot-5 receiver, son of former NFL player Chris Henry, is noted for his large catch radius and ability to win contested catches, traits he demonstrated at Mater Dei in California.
Brock Boyd’s emergence is less expected given his three-star rating. He was the No. 123 receiver in his class and the 25th-highest rated signee in Ohio State’s 29-man high school recruiting class. Despite this, Boyd became his high school’s all-time leading receiver at Southlake Carroll in Texas.
A source told CBS Sports this spring that both players “will help this year.” The source added that while their skill sets differ, Boyd is “really sharp” and capable of playing all three receiver positions immediately.
How does the current Ohio State receiver depth chart look?
The Buckeyes’ receiving room is more open than it appears. Jeremiah Smith remains the centerpiece after two dominant seasons, while Brandon Innis is expected to increase his role in his third year. The team also added transfers Devin McCuin from UTSA and Kyle Parker from LSU.
Competition for snaps remains unsettled beyond those four players. According to roster data, only four receivers have seen at least 50 targets at the FBS level:
- Devin McCuin: 224 targets
- Jeremiah Smith: 211 targets
- Brandon Innis: 69 targets
- Kyle Parker: 51 targets
What is the historical trend for Ohio State freshman wide receivers?
Until Jeremiah Smith’s 2024 season, Ohio State freshmen typically served as complementary pieces. Six Buckeyes wide receivers taken in the first round of the NFL Draft over the last five years all recorded fewer than 500 receiving yards during their debut seasons.
Garrett Wilson’s 2019 campaign was one of the most productive prior to Smith, with 30 catches for 432 yards and five touchdowns. In contrast, Jeremiah Smith recorded 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024.
Other freshman totals include:
- Carnell Tate (2023): 18 receptions, 264 yards, 1 TD
- Emeka Egbuka (2021): 9 receptions, 191 yards, 0 TD
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (2021): 11 receptions, 139 yards, 3 TD
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2020): 10 receptions, 491 yards, 1 TD
- Chris Olave (2018): 12 receptions, 197 yards, 3 TD
Because of these trends, the early buzz surrounding Henry and Boyd could indicate a shift in how the program integrates new talent. If they follow the Smith precedent, they may see significant production sooner than previous first-round prospects did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the current top receiving options at Ohio State?
The primary options are Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Innis, and transfers Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker.
How did Jeremiah Smith’s freshman season compare to previous receivers?
Smith recorded 76 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 2024, shattering almost all freshman receiving records and far exceeding the sub-500 yard totals of six recent first-round NFL picks.
What are the specific strengths of Chris Henry Jr.?
He is a 6-foot-5 receiver with a large catch radius and the ability to finish contested catches, particularly on downfield throws.
Do you think Ohio State will continue to rely more heavily on true freshmen receivers in the coming years?