Star QB Keisean Henderson Ditches Florida State for Houston Commitment!

Miami Gardens, USA - In a surprising turn of events, prized quarterback recruit Keisean Henderson has abruptly canceled his much-anticipated visit to Florida State University, opting instead to commit to the Houston Cougars. The news comes as Florida State actively searches for a quarterback for the 2026 recruitment class after parting ways with four-star prospect Brady Smigiel earlier this year. While the Seminoles had set their sights on Henderson, who is recognized as the No. 3 overall prospect and the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 class, they will need to regroup in their pursuit of new talent.

Henderson was scheduled for an official visit to Florida State from June 6-8, a time that many hoped would be pivotal in swaying his commitment. His decision, announced just before the visit, leaves Florida State with a challenging situation. Currently, they’ve also been eliminated from contention for another four-star recruit, Bowe Bentley, whose prospects seem to be leaning towards Oklahoma. Meanwhile, fellow targets Landon Duckworth and Jaden O’Neal present further complications, as Duckworth appears to be trending toward South Carolina and O’Neal remains committed to Oklahoma. Without a firm commitment from a quarterback, Florida State’s recruitment strategy is in a bit of a bind.

Henderson’s Impressive Journey

Henderson, a standout from Texas, showcased remarkable performance during his junior year, completing 175 of 263 passes for 2,689 yards and 25 touchdowns, alongside rushing for 341 yards and seven touchdowns. His versatility and skill set were further validated when he was named MVP of the Navy All-American Bowl, impressively completing 3 of 5 passes for 148 yards and a stunning 91-yard touchdown. 247Sports editor Andrew Ivins previously praised Henderson’s explosive athleticism and keen ability to make those high-level throws, noting that his playing style aligns well with Florida State’s offensive strategies under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn.

The recruiting landscape can shift rapidly, and Henderson’s cancellation raises questions about Florida State’s overall strategy. Currently, they have nine verbal commitments in their 2026 class but no quarterback commitments. This leaves current roster quarterbacks—Senior Tommy Castellanos, Junior Jaylen King, Redshirt Sophomores Brock Glenn and Michael Grant, and Freshmen Kevin Sperry and Gavin Markey—wondering about the future of their positions.

What Lies Ahead for Florida State?

Florida State’s recent struggles in recruiting quarterbacks bring to light the challenges faced by Coach Mike Norvell. While the absence of Henderson is disappointing, it’s not unprecedented in the world of college football recruiting. The Seminoles might need to zero in on alternative options, possibly capitalizing on the uncertain situation with other coveted recruits like O’Neal, whose commitment to Oklahoma might be in flux, depending on Bentley’s decisions.

As it stands, Florida State’s recruiting strategy is indeed like navigating rocky waters. The absence of Henderson leaves a gap that could change the dynamic of the team. With their current position at No. 26 nationally in the recruitment rankings, the coming months could prove crucial in assembling a competitive roster that will appeal both to recruits and fans alike. Ultimately, the challenge remains: will they be able to revitalize the recruiting process in time to secure a top-tier signal-caller? Only time will tell.