Texas Lands Four-Star DB on Friday

“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,” said Howard Jr. on his draw to Texas.

Steve Sarkisian has been heavy on offense with his 2026 recruiting class, and the addition of Howard kicks off his first defensive recruit in the class.

His offense-heavy approach has paid off so far in the '26 class with the commitment of five-star quarterback Dia Bell. He is currently their only five-star recruit thus far in their early stages of recruiting.

For Howard, he will join a recent history of incredible defensive backs to play for Texas. Most recently Jahdae Barron was a first-round NFL Draft selection to the Denver Broncos.

The 2025 recruiting class for the Longhorns also has some five-star secondary weapons including Jonah Williams and Kade Phillips, as they round off the No. 1 overall recruiting class in the country.

However, the addition of Howard for the 2026 class will help kickstart another top recruiting class in the country for the burnt orange.