Big 12 team emerging as the favorite to land Xzavier Henderson

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Despite an opportunity to stay in-state with Miami, former Florida Gators receiver Xzavier Henderson could be relocating to the Big 12.

Last Monday, Gators Online reported that Cincinnati and Miami were the leaders for Henderson, who entered the transfer portal on April 22.

Per sources close to Henderson, the Bearcats have emerged as the favorite to land him despite his visit to the hometown Hurricanes last Tuesday.

Henderson’s interest in Cincinnati has a lot to do with ex-Florida quarterback Emory Jones, who transferred there this year after playing for Arizona State last season.

Jones has been recruiting him to Cincy and the opportunity to reunite with his former starting QB is appealing to Henderson, especially given his reason for leaving UF.

With Anthony Richardson turning pro and the competition for his starting job still up in the air, a driving force behind Henderson’s departure was finding a school where he can have more assurances on who’s throwing him the ball.

Jones has not officially been named Cincy starter’s yet, but he is expected to get the nod over Ben Bryant. Henderson’s familiarity and history with Jones has put the Bearcats in position to beat out the Hurricanes for his signature.

Jones is not Henderson’s only connection to the Cincy. His father, Chris Henderson Sr., played college football for the Bearcats. Miami is still in the running for Henderson, who’s only considering those two schools, but sources close to him indicate Cincinnati is trending right now.

Former Gators defensive back Jordan Young also transferred to Cincinnati and is now starting in the Bearcats secondary.

Henderson with the Gators

After catching 26 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore, Henderson led the Gators last year in receptions with a career-high 38 catches for 410 yards and two touchdowns despite missing the last two regular season games.

Henderson was expected to be even more of a focal point in 2023. He had a three-touchdown performance in UF’s last scrimmage and was targeted eight times in the spring game — more than any other receiver — with three catches for 38 yards.

As a freshman in 2020, Henderson hauled in nine receptions for 148 yards and a score. He finished his Florida career with 73 catches for 835 yards and five touchdowns, making a total of 14 starts in 35 games played.

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