Ohio State’s freshman receivers get a strong endorsement from Jermaine Mathews Jr.

What Happened

Ohio State senior defensive back Jermaine Mathews Jr. praised the Buckeyes’ incoming freshman wide receiver class, calling it the best he’s seen and saying the group is good. Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd and Jerquaden Guilford were identified as freshmen who could contribute immediately in 2026. Henry arrives as the No. 7 overall prospect in the ESPN 300 and the top recruit in the 2026 class. Ohio State also lost Carnell Tate to the NFL draft, while Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter and Bryson Rodgers entered the transfer portal. No official team statement was included.

Why It Matters

• Ohio State needs new production behind Jeremiah Smith after losing Tate and three receivers to the transfer portal.
• Julian Sayin’s passing attack has a highly regarded freshman group competing for snaps instead of relying only on Smith.
• Ohio State ranked 23rd nationally in passing yards per game and 25th in scoring last season, leaving room for the receiver rotation to shape the offense.

THE PATE STATE READ

Mathews has given Ohio State’s new receivers an endorsement from inside the defensive room, and Henry brings the strongest recruiting résumé in the group. The praise matters because the Buckeyes lost proven depth around Jeremiah Smith, who has led the Big Ten in receiving yards in both college seasons. Jeremiah Smith remains Ohio State’s top target, but the freshman class will decide whether defenses can load coverage toward him without paying for it elsewhere. The first receiver rotation behind Smith will show whether the endorsement becomes usable Saturday production.(Josh has not yet commented.)

What's Next

• 2026 season opener, date not provided: Ohio State’s first game will reveal which freshmen enter the regular rotation.
• 2026 season: Track whether Chris Henry Jr., Brock Boyd or Jerquaden Guilford earns targets behind Jeremiah Smith.
• 2026 season: Watch how Julian Sayin distributes throws after Ohio State’s receiver room turnover.