Florida Gators Target Five-Star Edge Rusher Trenton Henderson in 2026

Pensacola, Florida, USA - In recent weeks, Florida Gators football fans have been buzzing with excitement surrounding the recruitment of standout athletes for the upcoming college football season. The buzz is particularly centered on five-star edge rusher Trenton Henderson from Pensacola, Florida. As a top recruit in the 2026 class, he’s narrowed his choices down to three schools: the Florida Gators, Texas Longhorns, and LSU Tigers. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 230 pounds, Henderson is a formidable presence on the field. Notably, Yahoo Sports reports that he has yet to announce a commitment date but is expected to make his choice soon.

Recently, Henderson visited the Gators for an official visit, which ran from Friday to Sunday. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, he currently plays for Pensacola Catholic High School. According to 247 Sports, Florida’s coaching staff made a strong impression on him by showcasing how they plan to utilize his talents and their commitment to his development as a player. With the coaching staff envisioning him as a jack linebacker, Henderson feels he has a good fit with the Gators, placing them at the top of his list.

Gators‘ Recruitment Strategy

The Gators are on a mission, currently seeking their first five-star recruit for the 2026 season. They have already landed four four-star recruits, which puts them at No. 14 in the national rankings according to 247 Sports. A commitment from Henderson could prove pivotal, as it could propel Florida into the top 10. They are also buoyed by the addition of current roster members like quarterback DJ Lagway, whose class is currently ranked 9th nationwide.

As Henderson continues to explore his options, he is set to visit Texas and has an official schedule to check out Florida State on August 29. His recent official visits have been adjusted, hinting at the possible dynamic shifts in his recruitment process. Yet, his connection with Florida remains solid, particularly given the recent commitments from other top recruits.

A Bright Future with New Commitments

The excitement doesn’t stop with Henderson. Earlier this month, the Gators received a major boost with the commitment of five-star defensive end JaReylan McCoy from Tupelo, Mississippi. McCoy is a towering 6-foot-7 and weighs in at 260 pounds, making him one of the most highly ranked prospects in the 2026 recruiting cycle. As detailed by ESPN, he initially committed to LSU but changed his path after being impressed with his recent visit to Florida.

McCoy’s decision is particularly significant for the Gators. He is considered the top-ranked commitment in their 2026 class and possesses outstanding statistics, including over 140 tackles and 18.5 sacks over three seasons at Tupelo High. His joining the Gators marks the first five-star recruitment for Florida since the 2024 class, setting the stage for potentially transformative years ahead.

With McCoy now in the fold and the potential addition of Henderson on the horizon, the Gators aim to create a formidable roster that not only competes in the SEC but has its eyes set on the College Football Playoffs. As excitement builds around this recruitment cycle, fans are left to wonder just how bright the future holds for Gators football.