Scouting top college football prospects and how they'll fit in 2026

"Henderson arrives with elite production against top Texas competition and a feel for the game that can't be coached. With Conner Weigman returning, Henderson doesn't need to be "the guy" on Day 1, but he's too talented to keep off the field. Expect Henderson to be involved in situational packages, red zone wrinkles and some possible momentum-swing snaps."

"Curtis arrives with massive expectations -- second only, perhaps, to Arch Manning when he first got to Texas. But Curtis isn't stepping into a perfect, ready-made situation like Diego Pavia did. He'll need time. Curtis has the physical tools -- arm strength, size, athleticism -- but the jump from a lower classification of high school football to the SEC will be steep."

"The key for Curtis isn't trying to be someone else. It's carving out his own identity, weathering early bumps and growing into the role. The upside is obvious. The pace of his development will determine how quickly Vanderbilt's offense rises with him."

The 2026 recruiting class features elite quarterback prospects joining new programs with distinct circumstances. Henderson joins Houston as a high-profile signing comparable to Ed Oliver, bringing elite production and game instincts that will contribute through situational packages and red zone opportunities while Conner Weigman leads the offense. Curtis arrives at Vanderbilt with massive expectations but faces a steeper learning curve transitioning from lower classification high school football to SEC competition, requiring patience and identity development. Bell commits to Texas, following the program's blueprint of patience demonstrated with Arch Manning. Each prospect possesses strong physical tools including arm strength, size, and athleticism, but their production timelines depend on program infrastructure, coaching support, and individual development pace.

Read at ESPN.com