BREAKING: 5‑Star Edge Trenton Henderson Commits to LSU
In a seismic shift on the college football recruiting landscape, five-star edge rusher Trenton Henderson, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound force from Pensacola Catholic in Pensacola, Florida, has officially committed to LSU, ending his recruitment shortly after revealing his final list of schools. Ranked as the No. 28 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports, Henderson chose the Tigers over elite programs including Florida and Texas .
As the top uncommitted edge rusher in the nation, and a supremely coveted recruit, Henderson’s pledge marks one of the most impactful commitments of the cycle—LSU’s coaches and staff clearly pulled off a major victory. With Henderson on board, LSU now boasts two five-star commitments in its 2026 class, the other being wide receiver Tristen Keys, and the momentum for the Tigers’ defensive front has reached new heights .
The official announcement came over the weekend of July 2, when Henderson confirmed his decision in media outlets like Deadspin: “Five-star edge Trenton Henderson commits to LSU’s 2026 recruiting class…he’s ranked No. 4 at his position and No. 28 in the nation by 247Sports”
Henderson’s recruiting path played out like the drama of an SEC documentary. A Florida native, he was courted by a laundry list of powerhouse programs—Florida, Texas, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, USC, Vanderbilt, and more . His process included multiple unofficial and official visits: LSU unofficial in March, followed by visits to Michigan, Georgia, USC, and Texas. Official visits included Auburn, Vanderbilt, Alabama, Florida, Florida State—and ultimately LSU, which left its strongest impression .
Henderson’s official LSU visit from May 30 to June 1 appears to have shifted the balance. Crescent City Sports reported the Tigers “dipped into Florida and came away with…one of the highest‑rated edge rushers in the 2026 class” . The program, led by Brian Kelly and defensive line coach Kevin Peoples, intensively courted him, making Henderson feel needed, not just wanted—a decisive factor in his decision-making .
A dominant presence on the field, Henderson recorded eye-popping stats as a junior at Pensacola Catholic: around 50 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, approximately 20 quarterback hurries, six pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery over 10 games . His mix of size, length, power, speed, and instincts set him apart, earning admiration from scouts nationwide .
Athlon Sports called him “prototypical” for the weak-side pass rush role, praising his speed‑to‑power conversion, run‑support acumen, coverage flexibility, relentless effort, and intelligent play diagnosis . On3 ranked him among the top five edge players nationally, and Florida’s On3 Industry list placed him No. 45 overall and No. 5 in Florida .
According to 247Sports, Henderson carries a five-star rating, a No. 4 ranking among edge Rushers nationally, and No. 28 overall in the 2026 class. With such elite recognition, he becomes a cornerstone of LSU’s class, elevating them to No. 12 in national team rankings and No. 1 in the SEC .
Landing Henderson is a thunderbolt for LSU. It’s not just about talent; it’s about recruiting optics. After missing top recruits in recent years, including QB Bryce Underwood in 2024, LSU needed a major rebound. Henderson’s commitment delivers that statement, signaling LSU’s revived ability to keep elite prospects in the SEC .
His pledge also fills a dire need on the edge. With several veteran rushers expected to depart for the NFL, LSU required a high-impact player to sustain defensive pressure and depth. Henderson is exactly that long-term answer .
As the high school season ended and the commitment date neared, Henderson narrowed his list to Florida, LSU, and Texas, ultimately selecting LSU. Sources indicate he felt LSU’s immediate fit and opportunities to play early surpassed the others .
Although Henderson hasn’t extensively commented post-commitment, the tone throughout recruitment suggests he prioritized relationships and program values. He favored staffs who were candid, prioritized player development, and made him feel central to the team’s scheme and future . In particular, LSU’s messaging—that he is “needed, not just wanted”—resonated deeply .
With Henderson on board, LSU now holds 12 commitments, including two top-tier five-stars. Their 2026 class ranking soared to No. 12 nationally, spearheaded by Henderson’s addition and coupled with other blue-chip recruits like DL Richard Anderson, S Aiden Hall, and CB Dylan Purter .
For LSU, talent-rich classes and home‑grown stars matter. Recent SEC top-10 classes at LSU included multiple top Floridian prospects—Henderson continues that trend, reinforcing LSU’s strong recruiting pipeline south of Louisiana .
Now that Henderson’s pledge is official, the LSU staff must capitalize on this momentum. A top-tier edge rusher becomes a calling card for future recruits, especially aggressive defenders who want early playing time and a team building on defensive identities. With Henderson leading the class, LSU’s edge blueprint for 2026 and beyond is set in motion.
After signing day, Henderson will enroll during summer workouts, integrating into LSU’s defensive overhaul under Brian Kelly. His addition frees LSU to pursue tackles like Lamar Brown, set to make his commitment on July 10, along with other defensive targets .
Practice reps, strength gains, and scheme acclimation will prepare Henderson to compete for snaps from day one. Given LSU’s need at edge, his presence could become essential in rotational packages as a freshman—something the staff highlighted as a draw during his visit .
Trenton Henderson’s commitment to LSU represents more than just talent—it’s validation. The Tigers have proved they can recruit and win high-stakes SEC battles, flipping a Florida child-of-the-Sunshine-State against his home and national powerhouses.
At 6-foot-4, 225 pounds with elite athleticism, play-making instincts, and a relentless motor, Henderson is poised to become a defensive cornerstone. LSU fans have reason to get excited: this is a recruit who arrives with star power, immediate potential, and a mindset molded by one of the toughest prep circuits in the nation.
For Henderson, the journey continues—from Pensacola Catholic to the palace of Tiger Stadium, destined to storm the edge of defenses across the SEC. For LSU, the class just got a whole lot stronger—and the defensive front just got fearsome.
