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From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about cause and effect. We will explore domino-effect scenarios that could impact OSU’s season.
You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”If This, Then That” articles here.
Julian Sayin is in a perplexing position going into the 2026 season.
On one hand, he’s clearly shown that he is a really good quarterback and will be one of the top quarterbacks and overall prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft. Sayin finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2025, throwing for 32 touchdowns to just eight interceptions while completing 77 percent of his passes.
On the other hand, though, there is one valid reason to be worried about Sayin going into this season.
Unlike last season, where the Buckeyes had Carnell Tate, Max Klare, and Brandon Inniss, in addition to Jeremiah Smith, Sayin doesn’t have as strong a receiving corps going into 2026, and that’s a major concern.
There’s already a major question mark along the offensive line, and not having a proven WR2 coming into this season only magnifies that concern and causes more uncertainty about just how good this offense will be.
That leads to Chris Henry Jr, a talented freshman wide receiver who starred in the Spring Game. If he can become that WR2, and that may be a lot to ask for a freshman, the Buckeyes offense will still be among the country’s best.
Having two wide receivers to get the ball to, even with a questionable offensive line, would be a valuable asset to Sayin and the Buckeyes’ offense.
The Buckeyes have been fortunate the last several seasons to have more than one great wide receiver. This season, for every wide receiver not named Jeremiah Smith, is going to be a developmental year.
It’s a thin cupboard this season, with many unproven players. Even Brandon Inniss has an incentive to take a step this season.
If Chris Henry Jr., who represents the future at wide receiver with Smith poised to enter the 2027 NFL Draft class, can emerge as a WR2 this season, that will set the Buckeyes up for success this season and beyond 2026.
There’s been a legendary run of great wide receivers in Columbus both this century and since Cris Carter starred in Scarlet and Gray in the 80s. But this season, there’s uncertainty going in.
Smith is going to star. That much is known. But if he doesn’t have a WR2 running on the opposite side of the field, how great can Smith actually be this season?
If opposing defenses can double-team him and not have to worry about a WR2 beating them, the Buckeyes offense isn’t going to be what it’s been in recent seasons. Now, if Henry emerges, even as a receiver with 50 receptions, then Smith could have his best season in Scarlet and Gray.
It’s not rocket science to understand what makes great offenses in modern-day football. An elite quarterback, a great WR1, a really good WR2, and the ability to run the football. That’s what makes an offense great.
Sayin can be an elite quarterback, but he needs playmakers. Obviously, Smith is one. Where do the other playmakers come from?
Henry would be a great development for the 2026 Buckeyes. When the Buckeyes have multiple great wide receivers on the field at the same time, that’s when they’re at their best offensively. Sayin has not shown he can make plays with his legs.
As a pocket passer, he needs weapons to throw the ball to. Henry could emerge as the Buckeyes’ WR2. If he does, the Buckeyes will be playing deep into January, where they should be playing.
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