Before he even throws a pass for the Houston Cougars, one of the nation’s top recruits has already made major business moves. The No. 1-ranked QB signee in the 2026 class just inked an NIL partnership with Panini America, the iconic trading-card and collectibles giant.
What’s in the Deal?
- Henderson will be featured in Panini’s college trading card sets.
- He’ll also take part in Panini marketing and promotional activations, putting his face in front of fans (literally).
- He joins a star-studded NIL roster that includes elite quarterbacks like Arch Manning, Julian Sayin and Keelon Russell.
Why This Matters?
This isn’t just another autographed football card moment, it signals that Henderson isn’t just a future college star, he’s already a marketable brand. His massive recruiting profile (No. 2 overall recruit and No. 1 QB) and MVP performance at the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl helped build huge buzz around him.
He called the partnership a “great opportunity,” saying he’s excited to see his first trading cards and appreciates what Panini has done in the NIL space.
Players aren’t just football talents anymore, they’re brands before college starts. Henderson’s deal with Panini shows that elite recruits are building long-term visibility and revenue opportunities early. It’s not just about where you play, it’s about who you are off the field too.