Now that the Transfer Portal is officially open, Nebraska is moving quickly to try to lure in some of the best players available. On defense, quite a few of those players, such as Ryan Henderson, know coordinator Rob Aurich well.
The Huskers are hosting one Aurich disciple in Owen Chambliss this weekend. On Monday, NU will bring in yet another former San Diego State defender. Both Henderson and Chambliss will be amongst the most sought-after players in the Portal, but their ties to Aurich could be the silver bullet.
On3's Pete Nakos reported earlier this weekend that Henderson will visit the Houston Cougars on Sunday. He'll then check out Lincoln and see what the Nebraska Cornhuskers have to offer.
San Diego State EDGE Ryan Henderson is visiting Houston on Sunday followed by Nebraska on Monday, his rep @kylelogan2221 tells @On3sports. https://t.co/Na6X6yL5Mv https://t.co/Qju4M4sUMh pic.twitter.com/6ZaqaQdXeE
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) January 3, 2026
What familiarity could mean for Nebraska’s portal timeline and Ryan Henderson
Henderson had spent his entire career at San Diego State before entering the Portal on Friday. His best season with the Aztecs was 2025, his first under Aurich. That should be a big help for the Huskers as they look for anyone who can generate a little pressure on the quarterback.
The EDGE totaled 22 tackles (17 solo) and 1 pass defended. He also had 7 sacks, a number that would very easily be the best on the Cornhuskers this season.
Henderson played high school football at North Las Vegas (NV) Canyon Springs, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,289 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
At the moment, Houston and Nebraska are the only visits Henderson has on his schedule. That could mean the Huskers have a chance to lock down their first portal commit by the middle of next week.