LSU Misses Out on Four-Star CB From Local Powerhouse

Howard Jr. chose to the Texas Longhorns over the LSU Tigers, Miami Hurricanes and Florida State Seminoles. The No. 372 overall recruit and No. 11 player in the state of Louisiana according to On3's industry rankings is leaving the Boot for the Lone Star State.

Howard told On3 why he chose Texas over LSU.

“When I got offered, I was offered by coach Terry Joseph. He left and went to the Saints, but the next day they came back with (Mark Orphey) and he chopped it up with me. He kept his relationship consistent with me. I couldn’t even go a day without talking to Texas. They always said I was a great player. They liked me for my skill set and they wanted me to be a great asset to their program. I said I wouldn’t waste any time and I just was ready.”

LSU's 2026 class already includes a handful of defensive back commits, including four-stars Haven Finney Jr., Aiden Hall and Dylan Purter. Jake Olsen and Corey Raymond have done a great job assembling the back end of this defense since arriving about a year and a half ago, but securing Howard's commitment would've been another nice piece to the puzzle. Now they're going to have to face him a few times in his collegiate career if he sticks with Texas.