SKULL SESSION SHOWSTOPPERS: Chris Henry Jr. Shines in Adidas Spotlight, Jeremiah Smith Earns 99 Overall in EA Sports CFB 26, and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. Emerges as Ohio State’s Hidden X-Factor
Ohio State football finds itself at the intersection of hype, promise, and potential greatness as the buzz surrounding three of its most electrifying talents continues to reverberate across the college football landscape. The Buckeyes’ program, long known for churning out elite-level talent, seems to have hit another gear as the spotlight beams directly on three rising stars whose names are already dominating headlines, highlight reels, and even the virtual gridiron. Chris Henry Jr., Jeremiah Smith, and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. are quickly becoming household names in Columbus—and beyond—as their individual ascents signal a new era of Ohio State dominance in the making.
Chris Henry Jr., the son of late NFL wide receiver Chris Henry, continues to carve his own path to greatness. At just 16 years old, Henry Jr. has already made national waves not only for his jaw-dropping athleticism and football IQ but also for his marketability and public presence. Most recently, he took center stage in a high-profile Adidas commercial that instantly sent ripples throughout the football and sports media communities. In the commercial, Henry Jr. is depicted as the face of the future—running crisp routes, leaping for contested catches, and flashing the kind of charisma and poise rarely seen in a high school prospect. The visuals are cinematic, the music inspirational, but more importantly, the message is clear: Chris Henry Jr. is not just next up—he’s already here. Adidas placing its brand behind Henry Jr. isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a declaration. A nod of approval from one of the biggest global sportswear brands that sees in Henry Jr. what Buckeye fans have already begun to realize: a generational wide receiver in the making.
For Ohio State fans, the commercial was more than just a product promotion. It was a celebration of what’s to come. Henry Jr. committed to the Buckeyes in July 2023, and his decision sent shockwaves through recruiting circles. Since then, his stock has only soared, both on and off the field. Whether it’s through dominant performances at elite camps, his highlight-reel catches in 7-on-7 competitions, or his increasingly polished route running, Henry Jr. has evolved into a prototype of the modern receiver. His commitment to the Scarlet and Gray wasn’t just another feather in Ohio State’s recruiting cap—it was a statement that the program continues to attract the most marketable and talented prospects in America.
Meanwhile, in a different dimension—albeit one almost as watched as real life—Jeremiah Smith has cemented his legacy in a way that no Buckeye freshman has done before. EA Sports’ long-anticipated return to college football gaming is finally materializing with the release of College Football 26, and fans couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw Smith’s rating. A jaw-dropping 99 overall. For context, this is virtually unheard of for any freshman, let alone one who hasn’t played a single down at the collegiate level. The move sent a thunderous message across social media, sparking debates, admiration, and sky-high expectations. But for those who’ve followed Jeremiah Smith’s journey, the rating felt justified. A monster at Chaminade-Madonna High School in Florida, Smith has the physical tools, mental acuity, and relentless work ethic that make him one of the most decorated wide receiver recruits of the modern era.
EA Sports didn’t just give Smith a high rating for buzz—they mirrored reality. Smith has been described as a once-in-a-decade type of receiver, with comparisons being drawn to Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson, and yes, even former Buckeye great Marvin Harrison Jr. His frame, speed, hands, and route discipline are NFL-ready, and the digital representation in College Football 26 has only further fueled excitement surrounding his debut in Columbus. In the game, Smith outruns defensive backs with ease, climbs the ladder to make contested catches, and breaks tackles with fluid strength. The realism is jaw-dropping, but it also puts a spotlight on just how high expectations have risen. Jeremiah Smith is no longer just a promising freshman—he’s already being viewed as a foundational weapon in Ohio State’s title ambitions.
As fans marvel at Henry Jr.’s commercial appeal and Smith’s virtual dominance, a quieter but no less important force continues to rise on the other side of the ball. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., a redshirt sophomore defensive end, has spent the past year developing his game in the shadows of bigger names, but now he’s poised to become the defense’s breakout star. A former five-star recruit out of Florida, Jackson Jr. arrived at Ohio State with lofty expectations. After a developmental freshman season, he began to show flashes during his second year—flashes that have now exploded into full-blown warning signs for opposing quarterbacks. Coaches, teammates, and analysts alike have noted that Jackson Jr. has taken the proverbial “leap.” Not just physically—where he’s added weight, power, and explosiveness—but mentally, where his understanding of schemes, angles, and anticipation has sharpened dramatically.
Jackson Jr. represents a new breed of Ohio State defensive lineman: long, agile, and relentless. His bend around the edge, combined with a devastating first step, allows him to collapse pockets and pressure quarterbacks with ease. More importantly, he’s becoming a vocal leader in the locker room, someone who understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the Buckeye badge. With J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer receiving national attention, Jackson Jr. could very well benefit from facing single-block situations and becoming the X-factor that tips the balance in big-time games. Whether it’s Michigan, Penn State, or a potential College Football Playoff clash, Jackson Jr.’s ability to wreck plays from the edge could be the difference-maker.
Ohio State’s strength has always been rooted in its ability to combine elite talent with elite development, and what’s happening right now is the perfect embodiment of that formula. On offense, players like Henry Jr. and Smith are preparing to terrorize defenses for years to come, while on defense, Jackson Jr. is emerging as the kind of player who can anchor a championship-caliber front seven. This trifecta of talent is not only reinforcing Ohio State’s position as a recruiting powerhouse but is also bridging generations of greatness.
The cultural crossover of Chris Henry Jr.’s Adidas moment also speaks volumes about where college football is headed. With NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals increasingly shaping the branding and visibility of high school and college players, Henry Jr. is already setting the tone for what a new-age star looks like: elite on the field, magnetic off it. He’s not just playing for stats—he’s building a legacy. And brands are taking notice. His appearance in the Adidas commercial represents more than product placement—it’s a sign of the times. College football stars are now national celebrities before they even step foot on campus. And for Ohio State, having such a player already in the fold is a recruiting dream.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah Smith’s 99 rating has effectively placed him in the digital Hall of Fame before his first college snap. The immense confidence EA Sports has shown in him mirrors the sentiments coming from inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Coaches rave about his work ethic, teammates speak about his humility, and opponents—well, they’re already bracing for him. With Marvin Harrison Jr. off to the NFL, the question of who becomes the Buckeyes’ next dominant receiver might already have its answer.
And then there’s Kenyatta Jackson Jr., the dark horse in this narrative but perhaps the most crucial of the three in terms of impact for the 2025 season. While offense sells tickets, defense wins championships, and Jackson Jr. appears primed to be a quarterback’s worst nightmare. With his explosiveness and improved discipline, he could give Ohio State the kind of edge-rushing production that defined championship teams of the past decade.
As Buckeye fans look ahead to the upcoming season and beyond, the excitement surrounding these three talents feels like the beginning of something special. Not just another top-tier recruiting class or another wave of athletic freaks. But the rise of a new identity. One built on versatility, explosiveness, and charisma. An identity that transcends Saturday afternoons and stretches into commercials, video games, and national headlines.
Chris Henry Jr., Jeremiah Smith, and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. represent three different stages of development but all share the same goal: to elevate Ohio State back to the pinnacle of college football. Whether it’s through a game-winning touchdown, a digital highlight in EA Sports’ newest masterpiece, or a game-breaking sack in the fourth quarter of a rivalry showdown, these players are positioning themselves to become legends. And in doing so, they’re setting a tone for the Buckeyes’ future—one that looks brighter, faster, and more dynamic than ever.
