Tank Dell officially has a new look with the Houston Texans for the 2026 season.
Dell, who missed all of last season while dealing with several lower-body injuries, has officially changed his number from No. 3 to his college No. 1, entering the final year of his rookie contract. It had been rumored that the former third-round pick would change his number this offseason once fully healthy, but nothing had been set in stone up to this point.
Advertisement
The number previously belonged to Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs in 2024 and defensive back Jimmie Ward before that in 2023.
Dell, who left in the 2024 December showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, has constantly been around the team’s facility since the start of his rehabilitation. While away from the team on the field, Dell was often seen on the sidelines during home games during the regular season, including the season finale victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
A 2023 draftee of the University of Houston, Dell emerged as an elite playmaker during his rookie season, totaling 709 receiving yards and seven touchdowns before suffering a season-ending leg injury in a win over the Denver Broncos.
Advertisement
In 2024, Dell started slowly, but eventually found his footing as the No. 2 receiver opposite Nico Collins, totaling 667 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 14 games.
The Texans believe a healthy Dell should open up the playbook for second-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley alongside Collins and quarterback C.J. Stroud. A number change could potentially bring back the elite playmaker from Houston, who led the FBS in both receptions (109), receiving yards (1,398) and touchdown receptions (17) in 2022 while helping the Cougars finish 8-5.
The Texans own the No. 28 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: WR Tank Dell switches from No. 3 to No. 1 ahead of 2026 season