Penn State lands commitment from Alvin Henderson, 3rd-ranked RB in 2025 class

Penn State has landed another highly touted running back on the recruiting trail.

Alvin Henderson, a consensus four-star prospect and one of the top tailbacks in the 2025 recruiting cycle, verbally committed to the Nittany Lions on Thursday afternoon.

Henderson, a star at Elba High School (Ala.), picked Penn State over four other finalists: Auburn, Oregon, Florida State and Miami. Henderson had offers from 74 schools, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas and USC, per Rivals.

Henderson is not only the 12th member of Penn State’s 2025 class but he’s the highest-rated prospect the Nittany Lions have landed. Henderson is the No. 3 running back and the No. 36 player overall in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to Rivals.

Henderson is Penn State’s third tailback in the class. He joins Aliquippa four-star Tiqwai Hayes and four-star Kiandrea Barker, who transferred to Miami Central (Fla.) this offseason. It will be interesting to see if Penn State keeps all three running backs committed.

Henderson is a big get for the Nittany Lions. Not only does his tape stand out, but his numbers are eye-popping. The 5-foot-9, 200-pounder rushed for 3,523 yards and 61 — yes, 61 — touchdowns. Henderson did that damage on 225 carries, averaging 15.7 yards per carry.

Running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider was a key cog in Henderson’s recruitment. Penn State hosted Henderson for a visit last week and is expected to welcome him again in June.