Hopes crushed as Henry goes to Ohio State, so Oregon goes back to work

In the "Ducks vs Them" episode after the Washington game Dan Lanning said, "Winners talk about winning. Losers talk about winners."

The Ducks put on an incredible recruiting effort to try and flip Chris Henry Jr. from Ohio State. They maintained the relationship all through his process, and when the 6-5, 5-star receiver had second thoughts after Brian Hartline left the Buckeyes to become head coach at USF, they were ready with an updated offer.

The Buckeyes pressed hard to keep him. He got personal calls from Ryan Day, social media shoutouts from Jeremiah Smith, current NFL players, Julian Sayin. They all stressed the school's long history of success in the league at wideout, nine recent first round draft picks.

In the end Henry Jr. stayed with the school where he'd been committed for two years, the one with an impressive legacy at his position. It's easier to maintain a tradition than it is to build one.

Respect his decision, and get busy preparing to beat him

For Duck fans, the Ducks and the Oregon coaching staff, it's a case of "you miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take." They gave it all the energy possible. The only appropriate response is to wish the young man well, and go to work to compete against him on the field, resolving to win the next battle.

The Ducks certainly aren't hurting at wide receiver. They signed the No. 1 wideout in the country last season in Dakorien Moore. Injuries slowed his output this year, but his early season play showed his All-American potential and explosiveness. Jeremiah McClellan has stepped up to become a far-above-the-line player.

Marshall Malchow and the staff have shown the ability to find gems in the Transfer Portal like Malik Benson. Oregon's 2026 recruiting haul includes fast, dynamic wide receivers Jalen Lott, Messiah Hampton and Gatlin Bair, the fastest recruit in the nation with a blazing 10.15 time in the 100 meters.

At the same time a program combats losing out on Chris Henry Jr. by recruiting top-rated classes at defensive back and edge rusher. Chris Henry Jr., meet Jett Washington. Julian Sayin, here comes Tank Jones.

The Ducks signed one of the country's most dynamic tight ends in Kendre Harrison, a matchup nightmare, a four-star prospect in basketball and the No. 36 recruit in the country.

The budding rivalry with Ohio State takes on another dimension. The challenge is more sharply defined. To clear the last level, Lanning has to win more of these recruiting battles, establish even more NFL street cred by sending more first rounders to the league, and win more of the big games.

Winners talk about winning.