Breaking down Houston's 2026 recruiting class, featuring standout signees Keisean Henderson, *Paris Melvin Jr., and John Hebert.

Class Grade: B+

Houston has had a successful season on the field in the Big 12 and doubled down with a tremendous recruiting class that boasts its highest-rated commit of all time (see more below). Sitting at No. 35 in the 247Sports Composite, it is on track to be the highest-rated UH recruiting class of all time!

Three Key Additions

Who were the highest-rated signees or prospects who might come in and make a significant impact?

QB Keisean Henderson (6'3, 185) - Legacy School of Sport Sciences: Henderson checks in as the No. 1 prospect in the state, and his signing signifies the rise that UH has seen on the field and off under Willie Fritz. Henderson, a true dual-threat, was the Navy All-American Bowl Offensive MVP and is rated the No. 1 QB prospect nationally.

ATH Paris Melvin Jr. (5'11, 170) - Cypress Falls: An elite athlete with true two-way potential, Melvin checks in at No. 24 in the DCTX Rising 100 and would have been the highest-rated signing since Ed Oliver if it weren't for Henderson. Coordinators are going to be fighting over which side of the ball he plays on in college.

*Note: Melvin is set to announce his signing with UH later in the week. The Early Signing Period runs from Wednesday to Friday. 

OL Aaron Wolford (6'4, 290) - Port Neches-Groves: It starts in the trenches, and UH’s offensive line class delivers. Led by Wolford—who brings a state championship pedigree and ample starting experience—the group also features standouts Troy Pless and Rhett Gray.

Hometown Hero

What prospect was a fan favorite or a local hero who starred near the campus?

RB John Hebert (5'10, 185) - Houston Strake Jesuit: Hebert secured DCTX four-star honors after a terrific high school football career where he rushed for 8,079 yards and scored 93 touchdowns versus 6A competition. He should quickly develop into a fan favorite who just happened to star 20 minutes down the road from TDECU Stadium.

Super Sleeper

We pick one prospect on the commit list and explain how he might outplay his ranking in college.

DE Kaleb Walker (6'1, 250) - Lindale: Walker may actually remind UH fans of another East Texas standout: Tyus Bowser from Tyler. He is in the same mold as a hybrid pass-rusher who plays with a no-nonsense attitude. Bowser developed into a second-round NFL draft pick, and if Walker realizes his upside, he could do the same.