NFL
Chargers GM shuts down Johnston trade rumors
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz shuts down trade rumors about Quentin Johnston.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Chris Henry Jr. sheds black stripe, eyes starting WR role
TL;DR
Chris Henry Jr., a highly regarded freshman wide receiver at Ohio State, has shed his black stripe during spring practice, indicating his readiness for a potential starting role. He is now the second freshman receiver to achieve this milestone, following Brock Boyd.
Ohio State football is in the thick of spring practice, working toward its first real game action this Saturday with its annual spring game. Earlier today, another player took a step toward helping this team reach its goals next season by shedding his black stripe. It is a player we have been talking about all spring, as wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. finally lost his black stripe at practice.
The 6’5 freshman wide receiver from Santa Ana, California, was one of the most highly touted prospects in the country, and Ohio State was able to land him this past December. According to 247Sports, Henry Jr. is the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2026 recruiting class and a consensus five-star across all major ranking platforms.
Henry Jr. losing his black stripe is a good sign for fans hoping he can be a day one starter for the Buckeyes come early September. He is now the second freshman wide receiver to shed his black stripe, joining Brock Boyd, who shed his stripe on March 31.
The Z receiver position is up for grabs this offseason after Carnell Tate left for the NFL, and many expect Brandon Inniss to hold down the slot role. Henry Jr. shedding his black stripe is another positive step forward as he builds momentum toward earning that starting Z spot alongside Jeremiah Smith at the X. All eyes will be on him this Saturday in the spring game now that the black stripe is off his helmet.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Chris Henry Jr. sheds black stripe, eyes starting WR role
Q&A
What does it mean for Chris Henry Jr. to shed his black stripe?
Sheding the black stripe signifies that a player has completed the transition from a freshman to an active contributor on the team, often indicating readiness for game action.
Who are the top wide receiver prospects for Ohio State in 2026?
Chris Henry Jr. is ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2026 recruiting class, alongside other notable prospects like Brock Boyd and Jeremiah Smith.
What position is Chris Henry Jr. competing for at Ohio State?
Chris Henry Jr. is competing for the starting Z receiver position, which became available after Carnell Tate left for the NFL.
