Oregon Football Hosts 4-Star Playmaker for 'Great' First Visit

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Oregon Football Hosts 4-Star Playmaker for 'Great' First Visit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 11, 2026 10:53 AM ET

The Oregon Ducks have begun to show interest in class of 2027 tight end Malik Howard. The 6-foot-3.5, 230-pound pass catcher is a four-star recruit, the No. 11 tight end and the No. 225 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings.

He's made visits with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Miami Hurricanes, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores and Indiana Hoosiers. The Ducks entered the battle recently, with Howard announcing his offer from Oregon on April 13.

Dan Lanning and his staff have put together an aggressive push, hosting the tight end for his first visit in Eugene this past weekend. Following his time on campus, he spoke to Rivals' Chad Simmons, praising the experience.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning.Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

“My first visit was great, and it really exceeded my expectations for that program as a whole,” Howard told Rivals. “I spent the whole first day having meetings with all the coaches and learning how they operate. And then we had a scavenger hunt, so I got to see the campus in a different way while still talking football the whole time.”

The Ducks are putting a great deal of effort into Howard's recruitment, but it could be worth it. Last season for Oak Ridge High School, he appeared in 11 games, accumulating 53 receptions for 778 yards and 11 touchdowns.

There was a lot of pressure going into the visit, after Howard previously told Simmons that it was Oregon's "one big shot and more of a make-or-break visit." After enjoying his time in Eugene, it appears the Ducks are emerging as serious contenders for a potential commitment.

Oregon is looking to expand its 2027 recruiting class, which ranks third in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation with 12 commitments. Howard could be the first tight end Lanning adds to the group.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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