When Will Stein accepted the head coaching job at Kentucky, most fans in the Bluegrass were focused on what it meant for our offense. But in the modern world of college football, every move causes a massive reaction elsewhere. Stein’s departure from Oregon has set off a chain reaction that has completely destabilized the recruitment of the nation's No. 1 wide receiver, Chris Henry Jr.
Henry Jr., a 5-star generational talent, was all set to sign with Ohio State and star assistant Brian Hartline. But the coaching carousel spins fast. Hartline is now heading to USF to be their head coach (after being linked to the Kentucky job himself), and Oregon, the main threat to flip Henry, just lost their offensive mastermind to Lexington.
The chaos of the coaching carousel is real, Chris Henry Jr. is just riding the wave
Henry Jr. took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his confusion, posting: 'I have not signed yet. Still trying to weigh my options due to coaching changes I just want to make the right decision for my future. Gods plan.'
I have not signed yet. Still trying to weigh my options due to coaching changes I just want to make the right decision for my future.
— Chris Henry Jr (@ChrisHenryJr) December 3, 2025
Gods plan
It is fascinating to watch from afar. Kentucky may not be a serious player for Henry Jr. right now, though Vince Marrow did extend an offer back in the day, but the Wildcats are indirectly responsible for the chaos. By hiring Stein, Kentucky weakened Oregon's pitch to Henry. By locking down their coach, they watched Hartline move to USF, weakening Ohio State's pitch.
This is the new reality of the sport. One signature in Lexington changes the future of a 5-star recruit in California who was committed to a school in Ohio. While we don't expect Henry to end up in blue, it is a powerful reminder of the "butterfly effect" in recruiting. Will Stein hasn't even coached a game yet, and he is already altering the national landscape. That is the kind of gravity this program needs.