Trevon Henderson has committed to the Texas Longhorns for three main reasons, according to an ESPN exclusive.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, former Ohio State standout running back TreVeyon Henderson has officially announced his transfer commitment to the Texas Longhorns. The decision comes after weeks of speculation and growing anticipation about where one of the nation’s most explosive backs would take his talents next.
In an exclusive conversation with ESPN, Henderson cited three major reasons behind his decision to wear burnt orange in 2025: coaching culture, offensive scheme, and long-term development. Each factor played a crucial role in reshaping his football journey—and may just reshape the trajectory of Texas football as well.
TreVeyon Henderson was never just another name in college football. A former 5-star recruit from Hopewell, Virginia, Henderson stormed onto the national scene with Ohio State, racking up over 3,000 total yards and 30+ touchdowns during his time in Columbus. Known for his electric burst, shifty vision, and game-breaking speed, Henderson became a household name in Big Ten territory.
But after an injury-plagued 2023 campaign and a season of uncertainty in 2024, Henderson made the bold choice to enter the transfer portal. When he did, the eyes of college football widened.
And when he chose Texas, it was more than a headline—it was a statement.
“I felt like I was at a point in my career where I needed to find the right fit,” Henderson told ESPN. “Texas offered me everything I was looking for—not just as a football player, but as a person.”
If there’s one thing Steve Sarkisian has built in Austin, it’s trust.
Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Sarkisian has worked to instill a player-first culture rooted in discipline, development, and identity. For Henderson, that approach stood out.
“The way Coach Sark talks to his players, how he listens and builds relationships—it’s different,” Henderson explained. “He’s not just about wins and stats. He’s about growth. That hit home for me.”
Insiders say Henderson was particularly impressed with how Sarkisian handled his star players in 2023 and 2024, including quarterback Quinn Ewers, wideout Xavier Worthy, and fellow running back Jonathon Brooks. The staff’s ability to develop top-tier talent while balancing egos and expectations gave Henderson confidence that he’d be more than just a weapon—he’d be a priority.
The Texas running backs coach, Tashard Choice, also played a pivotal role in sealing the deal. A former NFL back himself, Choice has gained a reputation as one of the best RB developers in the country.
“He knows what it’s like. He’s been there,” said Henderson. “He doesn’t just teach the game—he teaches how to live it. That’s rare.”
Let’s not ignore the football side of the equation.
Steve Sarkisian’s offense is a dream for running backs with Henderson’s skill set. It’s a hybrid West Coast-style attack that features heavy motion, spacing concepts, and high-efficiency RPO looks. More importantly, it’s balanced—running backs aren’t just check-down options, they’re offensive cornerstones.
“It’s a system where I can catch out of the backfield, hit home runs between the tackles, and stay on the field all three downs,” Henderson said. “That’s exactly what I need to show NFL scouts.”
Statistically, Texas has produced top-15 rushing offenses in two of the last three seasons and consistently ranks among the national leaders in explosive plays. For Henderson, that meant an opportunity to showcase his versatility.
In addition, the Longhorns will return most of their offensive line in 2025, and the quarterback situation is strong with Arch Manning stepping into a leadership role. That level of offensive continuity made the Longhorns even more attractive.
“He’s not coming here to be hidden,” one Texas source told ESPN. “He’s coming here to shine.”
The third reason behind Henderson’s commitment is both strategic and forward-looking: preparation for the NFL.
Henderson made it clear that his final college stop isn’t just about highlight reels—it’s about refining his game for Sundays.
“The Longhorns know how to prepare guys for the next level,” he said. “They’ve done it before, and they’re doing it again.”
It’s hard to argue with the results. Over the last three years, Texas has sent multiple skill players into the NFL, including running back Bijan Robinson, who became a first-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons and immediately made an impact.
“Seeing what Bijan did in that system—it made me think, ‘That could be me,’” Henderson admitted.
Texas also offers elite strength and conditioning resources, an NFL-style nutrition program, and a media market that consistently puts players in the national spotlight. For a player like Henderson—who’s already proven he can produce—those factors matter.
“Exposure, development, and trust—that’s the trifecta,” said Henderson. “Texas has all three.”
With Henderson now in the fold, the Longhorns are sending a clear message: they’re in win-now mode.
The addition of a high-caliber back like Henderson positions Texas as a legitimate contender not just in the SEC—but for the College Football Playoff. Paired with a returning core of talented offensive players, his arrival immediately elevates the team’s floor and raises its ceiling.
“This is the kind of move that puts pressure on everyone in the SEC,” said ESPN analyst Greg McElroy. “You add a weapon like TreVeyon Henderson, and you’re not just playing to compete—you’re playing to dominate.”
Texas has long been considered a “sleeping giant” in college football. With Henderson’s commitment, the eyes of Texas are now wide open.
Unsurprisingly, the announcement triggered major buzz across social media and within coaching circles.
Former players, analysts, and fans chimed in with support—and some skepticism.
“He’s going to eat in Sark’s system,” tweeted NFL back and Texas alum Jamaal Charles.
“This changes the SEC race,” wrote sports columnist Paul Finebaum.
“Big move, but can he stay healthy?” one fan replied.
Indeed, durability has been a concern for Henderson, who missed chunks of two seasons at Ohio State with lower-body injuries. But according to those close to him, he’s fully healthy and motivated.
“He’s locked in,” a source close to Henderson said. “Texas is getting the best version of him.”
TreVeyon Henderson’s decision to commit to Texas isn’t just a personal turning point—it could be a defining moment for the Longhorns as they continue their re-emergence on the national stage.
For Sarkisian and company, the pressure now shifts to maximizing the moment. For Henderson, the path is clear: prove he’s still elite, help bring a title back to Austin, and punch his ticket to the NFL.
“I’m not just here to play—I’m here to lead,” Henderson said. “Let’s make history.”
And just like that, the 2025 college football season got a whole lot more interesting.
