While doing early work for the 2027 NFL Draft class, the potential running back group has quickly become one of the most interesting overall. The debates at the top of the class will center around Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss), and Jadan Baugh (Florida), but there is also a ton of quality down the board to get excited about. That is a change after what we saw during the 2026 NFL Draft class.

After some early conversations with a couple of NFL scouts, there needs to be some conversation around UTSA star Will Henderson III. While Henderson is just heading into his redshirt sophomore season, there is some thought that he could consider an early declaration if the Texas speedster puts together a big 2026 season. The UTSA standout brings something to the table that the NFL can’t get enough of: Big-time speed and playmaking ability.

I would get UTSA RB Will Henderson III (#23) on your radar early. There’s already very real buzz about him amongst scouts.

Let’s 4.3 athlete. Home run hitter. pic.twitter.com/0HRYl9b0Pz

— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) May 27, 2026

At right around 5-10 and 185 pounds, Henderson is going to need to add a substantial amount of size and play strength to his profile. For a smaller running back, however, Henderson does possess some notable contact balance. As his body develops, there is some very real three-down upside on the next level.

In the modern space game known as the NFL, there is a role for Henderson early in his professional career. He should be, at worst, a valuable satellite back who fits an important role in a running back room. There is some top-100 feedback across the league on Henderson already, so getting him on your watch lists or boards would be smart.

This is a tremendous talent who is about to explode on the national scene. Don’t blink or you might miss Henderson breaking off another big run.

Will Henderson’s career background

Henderson was originally a member of the 2024 recruiting class for UTSA. On the 247 Sports Composite ranking, the former Gilmer (Texas) High School star was rated as a three-star, the No. 653 overall player, the No. 52 running back, and the No. 105 player from the state of Texas for the 2024 class. Henderson opted for the Roadrunners over offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Memphis, Louisiana Tech, Texas State, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, Austin Peay, and Lamar.

After redshirting during the 2024 season, Henderson put together a breakout campaign this past season. In 13 games, the 10.28 100-meter runner managed to rush for 866 yards and six touchdowns on just 125 carries, an average of 6.9 yards per carry. Henderson also hauled in an additional 19 receptions for 132 yards and two more scores as a receiver. He is expected to take another massive jump this Fall.