Ohio State Starts Chris Henry Jr. Against Maryland in Columbus

Ohio State inserted freshman wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. into the starting lineup for its homecoming matchup with Maryland on Oct. 10, 2026, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus as the No. 5 Buckeyes adjusted after injuries to two receivers.

Henry replaced Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin, who were unavailable because of undisclosed injuries, according to Eleven Warriors. The freshman entered the game after recording three catches for 105 yards and a touchdown this season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Henry had played 122 snaps and run 58 routes before earning his first career start. Ohio State coach Ryan Day had previously indicated that Henry and fellow freshman receiver Brock Boyd would receive more opportunities because of their route running and run blocking.

"They’re playing with confidence, and I can see them getting more and more opportunities in the passing game. When you run routes and you get open on film, the ball just finds a way to you. I think it’s going to happen," said Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach.

Day’s comments came as Ohio State prepared to host Maryland, with the Buckeyes seeking continued momentum before a stretch of three challenging games, according to NBC4. The matchup also marked Day’s 100th contest as Ohio State’s coach.

Ohio State and Maryland met for the first time in three years, with the Buckeyes entering the game seeking their 10th straight victory in the series, according to NBC4. Maryland arrived with a 0-39 record against ranked Big Ten opponents.

The Terrapins still featured a leading offensive target in Chris Durr Jr., who ranked second behind Jeremiah Smith nationally in average receptions per game at 8.4, according to NBC4. Ohio State hosted Maryland as part of its second Big Ten home game of the season.