In a stunning development in college football recruiting, Alabama has reportedly offered Houston’s 5-star quarterback commit Keisean Henderson a jaw-dropping $174 deal, igniting speculation about whether the Crimson Tide can flip the highly coveted prospect from his current pledge to the Cougars. Henderson, a standout from Legacy School of Sport Sciences in Spring, Texas, has been a rising star in the 2026 recruiting class, earning accolades for his versatility, arm talent, and playmaking ability. This bold move by Alabama underscores their aggressive pursuit of top-tier talent under head coach Kalen DeBoer as they aim to reload their quarterback room for the future.
Keisean Henderson’s recruitment has been a whirlwind. Committed to Houston since May 2024, he has credited Cougars head coach Willie Fritz for believing in him as a quarterback when others saw him as an athlete or wide receiver. His junior season stats—over 65% completion rate, 2,689 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven additional rushing scores—solidified his status as a 5-star prospect and the No. 5 quarterback nationally, per On3. Henderson’s MVP performance at the Navy All-American Bowl further showcased his elite potential, drawing attention from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Oregon, and now Alabama.
The reported $174 offer—presumably tied to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities—raises eyebrows due to its specificity and modest figure compared to the multimillion-dollar deals seen in today’s NIL landscape. While details remain unclear, it’s possible this represents a symbolic gesture or a misreported sum, with the true value potentially higher. Regardless, Alabama’s interest signals their intent to compete with Houston’s loyalty and Fritz’s personal investment in Henderson. The Crimson Tide face a quarterback transition in 2025 following Jalen Milroe’s departure, making Henderson a prime target to anchor their offense long-term.
Will Alabama secure Henderson’s commitment? It’s uncertain. His bond with Houston runs deep, and he’s expressed openness to visiting other schools but no firm plans to decommit. Alabama’s prestige, resources, and SEC pedigree could sway him, especially if the NIL package exceeds expectations. However, Henderson’s loyalty to the program that first saw his quarterback potential might prove unshakable. As recruiting battles intensify, all eyes are on this Texas phenom to see if Bama’s mouthwatering offer can rewrite his future.
