At a place like Ohio State, there are always youngsters ready to get some playing time and be a part of a football machine that contends for Big Ten and College Football Playoff national championships. Sometimes it’s a slower burn like what we saw from Chris Olave, and other times, a freshman enters the year and makes an immediate splash, like receiver Jeremiah Smith.
CBS Sports recently identified some Big Ten freshmen to watch, and, as you would expect, Ohio State had some players noted, both on the offensive side of the ball. In fact, both are expected to make a difference in the passing game. Those two players are receiver Chris Henry Jr. and potential Swiss-Army knife Legend Bey.
Advertisement
Here’s what Brad Crawford says about the duo and why they might be first-year youngsters that could make a splash in the best league in college football.
Legend Bey, Ohio State ‘Wide Receiver’
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Legend Bey (2) puts on his helmet during Student Appreciation Day spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on April 4, 2026.
What Crawford says
“It takes a lot to have a comparative physique to Jeremiah Smith, but Bey’s already almost there as a freshman. He’s added noticeable muscle in his first few months on campus following a body transformation, a credit to Buckeyes strength and conditioning coach Mick Marotti, and looks like a player who could have a role in his first season behind Bo Jackson and Isaiah West in the backfield. When you’re labeled as a “poor man’s Tyreek Hill” by your head coach, that’s high praise. Coaches got an extended look at the former Tennessee commit during the spring due to a rushing attack marred by injuries, and Bey made the most of his chance in the spotlight.”
Advertisement
What we say
It’s hard to know exactly how much Bey will be included in the offensive game plan, especially in a deep receiver room, but I wouldn’t rule out him getting some touches out of the backfield either. The coaches have been very complimentary of his explosive ability, and if he can stay healthy and pick things up on offense quickly, he could be a fairly big part of things in 2026.
Chris Henry Jr., Ohio State wide receiver
Wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. (15) catches a pass over safety Leroy Roker III (10) during the Ohio State football spring game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 18, 2026.
What Crawford says
“There are grand expectations for Henry, the cycle’s second-highest-rated wideout after he was virtually uncoverable this spring in Columbus at 6-foot-5, 195 pounds. Ohio State’s ridiculously talented room of pass-catchers has a void following Carnell Tate’s first-round exit alongside Smith, and Henry could slide right in as a co-starter. Brandon Inniss, fellow freshman Brock Boyd, and transfer Devin McCuin will have something to say about positioning for reps, too. Oregon tried to make a late push for Henry’s services, but he stuck with the Buckeyes as the jewel this cycle for Ryan Day.”
Advertisement
What we say
Henry was arguably the crown jewel of the 2026 recruiting class. He is tall with a great catch radius, has great hands, and is great at going up in traffic to win 50/50 balls. He was known as the best receiver in the 2026 recruiting class, and Ohio State had to hold off seemingly the entire nation to keep him in the fold, especially when Brian Hartline left for USF. He’ll push for a starting spot, and even if he doesn’t win one, you have to like the chances of Henry making more and more of a splash as the season goes on.
There you have it. To find out who Crawford identifies as the other Big Ten freshmen to watch, head on over to CBS Sports and check out the rest of the list.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Two Ohio State players make CBS Sports’ Big Ten freshmen to watch
