2026 CB James Henderson commits to Houston

Houston Cy Falls three-star cornerback James Henderson has committed to Houston, he announced on Tuesday evening.

He chose the Cougars over Northwestern and Vanderbilt. Henderson decommitted from Rice earlier this week.

“The biggest driving force was how welcome the staff made me and my family feel and also its Power Four football at home that’s a great combination,” Henderson told Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman about his decision.

Henderson is the No. 1,118 overall prospect and No. 110 corner in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 155 player in Texas.

The Cougars got Henderson to campus for an official visit over the weekend. That trip helped seal the deal for Willie Fritz and Co. He also took officials to Nashville and Evanston, but the 6-foot, 165-pounder is staying home.

“Everything went well,” Henderson said after the visit. “It was a good overall visit! Had an amazing time back on campus! The new facilities and energy around the program really stood out. The coaching staff made us feel right at home. My family and I left even more excited about what’s being built in Houston!”

“I’m constantly building relationships with the coaching staff they have been great,” he added. “They are a top four contender for me. The fact that they are home is a plus and being able to have my family to attend all of the home games supporting me is pretty cool.”

Looking at Houston’s 2026 class

The Cougars’ haul now sits at 17 commits and ranks No. 34 nationally, according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. That’s good for No. 4 in the Big 12.

“One thing that has excited me about the future there is the special 26’ class that UH has and I feel like UH has the right staff to develop us and put all the pieces together,” Henderson said.

Last May, Houston swiped an early pledge from local five-star quarterback Keisean Henderson. His stock has soared since, as has the interest of high-profile programs. The Legacy SSS star has remained locked in, though, and is ready to make his mark early when he gets on campus next year. He’s now the No. 15 overall prospect and No. 4 QB in the nation.

Of the 17 commits in the class, 15 are in-state recruits. That’s normal for most Texas programs, but especially the Cougars. Flanking Keisean Henderson at the top of the pledge list is Rosharon Iowa Colony four-star wide receiver Jayden Warren and Houston Cy Springs four-star athlete Paris Melvin.

Warren is a top-200 prospect and the No. 23 WR in the cycle. Melvin is the No. 8 athlete in the cycle and could make an impact on both sides of the ball.

Other top commits in the class include: tight end Jaivion Martin, running back John Hebert, defensive lineman Kaleb Walker, linebacker Bryson Castile and interior offensive lineman Aaron Wolford. The entire class can be seen here.