Kansas WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr. Declares for 2026 NFL Draft After Breakout Season
Emmanuel Henderson Jr. came to Lawrence looking for opportunity-and he didn’t waste a second of it. Now, after a standout season with the Kansas Jayhawks, the senior wide receiver is taking the next step in his football journey: the 2026 NFL Draft.
Henderson, who transferred to Kansas from Alabama ahead of the 2025 season, announced his decision Saturday on social media. And while his time in Lawrence was brief, his impact was anything but.
Let’s be clear: Henderson didn’t just fill a role-he became a central figure in the Jayhawks’ offense and a game-changer on special teams. He led the team in receiving yards with 766, tied for the team lead in receptions (45) and receiving touchdowns (5), and delivered some of the most electrifying moments of Kansas’ season.
None more memorable than his 93-yard touchdown reception against Cincinnati. That wasn’t just a highlight-it was a statement. Henderson finished that game with five catches for 214 yards and two scores, showing off the kind of vertical speed and big-play ability that NFL scouts covet.
But Henderson’s value wasn’t limited to the passing game. He also made his mark as a return specialist, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in that role. His 94-yard kickoff return touchdown against West Virginia was another example of his field-flipping speed and vision-traits that make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
The Big 12 coaches took notice, voting him All-Big 12 first team as a returner, third team as a wide receiver, and giving him honorable mention for Offensive Newcomer of the Year. That’s a rare trifecta, and it speaks volumes about the kind of season Henderson put together.
In his announcement, Henderson reflected on a journey that began at Alabama, where he spent three seasons learning the ropes at one of college football’s premier programs. He credited his time in Tuscaloosa with teaching him how to prepare and compete at the highest level. But it was in Lawrence where his game truly took flight.
“My Jayhawk family, you welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to step into my game to truly take off as a player,” Henderson wrote. “Each program played an important role in my journey.”
Kansas didn’t reach the heights it had hoped for this season, finishing 5-7, but Henderson was a bright spot throughout. Whether it was stretching the field, working underneath routes, or flipping field position in the return game, he consistently gave the Jayhawks a spark.
And while he thanked his coaches, teammates, and family for their support, it’s clear that Henderson’s drive and work ethic helped him make the most of his final college season.
Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, Henderson enters the next phase of his football life with momentum-and a skill set that could translate well to the pros. He’s got the speed, versatility, and playmaking instincts that teams are always looking for, especially in today’s league where hybrid talents are increasingly valuable.
From a four-star high school running back to a dynamic college wideout and return man, Henderson’s evolution has been impressive. And if his senior season at Kansas is any indication, he’s just getting started.