Nelson Peterson Jr., younger brother of former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play quarterback for Texas Southern University.
The 6-2, 190-pound dual-threat signal-caller from Forney High School in Texas committed during the early signing period on Dec. 3, 2025, joining five other high school signees and two junior college transfers announced by TSU head coach Cris Dishman.
Rated a three-star prospect by major recruiting services, including Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN, Peterson brings over 5,000 career passing yards and playoff experience to a quarterback room in transition.
A three-year starter who also played at Sunnyvale High School, he helped Forney reach the Class 6A Regional Semifinals while earning three-and-a-half stars from QB Hit List, where he ranked among the top dual-threat passers nationally.
Family Legacy Meets HBCU Opportunity
Peterson’s commitment carries extra weight given his sibling connection to Adrian Peterson, the longtime NFL running back who rushed for over 14,000 yards across 15 professional seasons, including stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. The younger Peterson, often called “NLP8” on social media, announced his TSU offer with excitement, tagging coach Dishman and staff in a post celebrating the scholarship opportunity.
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Texas Southern, an SWAC mainstay, targeted immediate high school talent alongside veteran additions like quarterback Jeremiah Harrell from Northeast Mississippi Community College. Peterson slots in as a prized freshman amid the Tigers’ push for momentum following a rebuilt roster.
Recruiting Impact for TSU Football
For Peterson, TSU represents a perfect fit for his dynamic skill set in an HBCU program known for developing quarterbacks. As the Tigers aim to climb the SWAC standings, the Forney product could compete early while carrying a famous last name to Houston.
