A former five-star Alabama recruit who found his footing as a receiver and return man at Kansas, becoming the first Jayhawk wideout drafted since 2010.
Emmanuel Henderson Jr. arrived at Alabama as the nation's top-ranked running back recruit but saw limited touches in Tuscaloosa. A transfer to Kansas for his final season unlocked him as a big-play receiver and dangerous return specialist, and Seattle used a sixth-round pick to bring him into a crowded but talented receiver room.
Path to the league
Henderson was a five-star recruit out of Geneva County High School in Hartford, Alabama, and the top-ranked running back in his class before committing to Alabama. After three seasons with limited playing time in Tuscaloosa, he transferred to Kansas for 2025 and shifted his role to wide receiver and returner. Seattle selected him in the sixth round (199th overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
At Alabama, Henderson appeared in 33 games over three seasons but was used sparingly on offense. His breakout came at Kansas, where he became the first Jayhawk wide receiver drafted since 2010, finishing with 45 receptions for 766 yards and five touchdowns, including a 214-yard outing against Cincinnati.
2025 season recap
In his lone season at Kansas, Henderson earned First-team All-Big 12 honors as a kick returner and Third-team All-Big 12 honors as a wide receiver. He opened the year with six catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns against Wagner and later returned two kickoffs for 137 yards and a touchdown against West Virginia, earning Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
- Seahawks.com: 2026 NFL Draft - Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- Kansas
- Hometown
- Hartford, AL, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
