The Virginia Tech Hokies had a big recruiting weekend, with the NCAA transfer portal opening Friday. As expected, the commitments followed. First, former Penn State DL Daniel Jennings announced his transfer to Virginia Tech.
Shortly after, former Penn State tight end Matt Henderson revealed he was following Jennings to Blacksburg. Like Jennings, it’s a homecoming for Henderson, a Powhatan, Virginia native. Jennings is originally from Princeton, West Virginia, about an hour from Blacksburg.
Henderson, 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds, played basketball and football in high school, where he was a standout in both sports. After enrolling at Penn State, Henderson was mentored by Ty Howle, Virginia Tech’s new offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Henderson redshirted in 2025, so he has four years of eligibility remaining with the Hokies.
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Henderson was a late riser in the recruiting world. However, once he trained for Howle and James Franklin, that was it. Henderson began accepting offers, but committed to the Nittany Lions as a junior. The addition of Henderson, with potentially tight ends on the way, makes it clear that the position will not be ignored in 2026 like it was last season.
Henderson is a big asset for Virginia Tech. Not only are the Hokies bringing home a talented prospect, but Henderson’s best football is ahead of him. He should be an immediate contributor next season.
Welcome home, Matt.
