KJ Henson Can Benefit From Crowded Defensive Line | WVU Football All 105

All 105 is a West Virginia Sports Now series profiling each member of the 2026 WVU Football Roster.

While top players often eat up a majority of the snaps at their position, there’s a benefit for teams who can cycle through defensive linemen quickly, a committee approach that keeps their pass rush fresh and ferocious. That’s what KJ Henson could do WVU Football in 2026.

Henson transferred to the Mountaineers from Hutchinson Community College, one of the nation’s premier junior colleges, and made a run to the national championship game last season. He racked up 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, using his lengthy frame to bat down two passes. There’s no guarantee that Henson can transition smoothly from the junior college level to Division I, but he looks the part at 6-foot-4 and 284 pounds.

Even if he isn’t on the shortlist to start on the defensive line, Henson could benefit from rotating into the game and getting a chance to batter already-depleted linemen.

43 • KJ Henson, redshirt junior defensive line

Last Year: Henson played at Hutchinson Community College, a JUCO powerhouse, and took part in a run to the national championship game.

Stats: 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups

Post-Camp Outlook: Making a smooth transition from junior college to Power Four is far from a given, but Henson comes from one of the best community college programs in the country. The Mountaineers have a packed defensive line room with 16 players and, while seven of them are freshmen or junior college transfers, Henson will need to prove himself.

Projected Role: Given the question marks in West Virginia’s defensive line room — and the benefit of being able to keep the big guys fresh with frequent substitutions — expect some degree of playing time for Henson in 2026, although perhaps not as a starter.

Accolades, Highlights: Henson played for one of the best junior colleges in the country and made a run to the national championship game in 2025.

Coverage Links:

Recent Minnesota Commit JUCO DL K.J. Henson Joins WVU Football