Updates: Texas Secures Commitment from Four‑Star CB Hayward Howard Jr. Over Florida State, LSU, and Miami

Texas Secures Commitment from Four‑Star CB Hayward Howard Jr. Over Florida State, LSU, and Miami

In a major recruiting victory, the University of Texas Longhorns landed a commitment from New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr four‑star cornerback Hayward Howard Jr. on Friday, choosing Steve Sarkisian’s program over finalists Florida State, LSU, and Miami. The 6‑foot‑2, 175‑pound defensive back announced his pledge live on the On3 Recruits YouTube channel, becoming Texas’s first defensive commitment in the class of 2026 and its sixth overall pledge to date ([Burnt Orange Nation][1]).

A Rising Prospect from Louisiana

Howard arrives in Austin as the No. 33 cornerback and the No. 407 overall player nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings, as well as the No. 10 prospect in Louisiana ([Burnt Orange Nation][1]). Son of former Ole Miss lineman Hayward Howard Sr., he first drew widespread attention through his length (6‑2 wingspan), fluid movement in coverage, and ability to match up physically with top receivers. His recruitment included nearly 20 scholarship offers from power programs across the country, including Auburn, Colorado, Florida, Ole Miss, Texas A\&M, and Texas Tech

Key Visits and the Winning Pitch

Howard’s recruitment accelerated after he recovered from an earlier injury and began taking official visits. In April, he attended Texas’s Longhorn City Limits event, where he “felt at home” amid the high‑energy practices and facilities that Texas showcased ([Burnt Orange Nation][1]). He later visited Florida State, LSU, and Miami, evaluating each program’s defensive schemes, development track record, and campus environment. Ultimately, it was Texas’s combination of immediate playing opportunity, alignment with the Vols’ defensive philosophy under new cornerbacks coach Mark Orphey, and the state’s passionate fan base that sealed the commitment. As Howard noted, “They showed belief in my abilities and made it clear that I fit into their vision” ([Rivals][2]).

Coaching Relationships and Staff Continuity

Texas initially extended an offer to Howard in February under former defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph. When Joseph departed for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, Orphey and edge coach LaAllan Clark—both with Louisiana ties—stepped in to maintain momentum. “He just kept his relationship consistent with me,” Howard said of Orphey’s recruiting efforts. “I couldn’t go a day without talking to Texas” ([Burnt Orange Nation][1]). That persistent engagement contrasted with other staffs and underscored Texas’s commitment to Howard’s development.

On‑Field Skill Set and Projection

At 6‑foot‑2 with long arms and fluid hips, Howard projects as a boundary corner capable of both press‑man and zone coverage. His plus‑length allows him to contest catches on the perimeter, while his recovery speed and ball skills enable him to thrive in off‑man schemes. Scouts laud his “turn‑and‑run juice” in vertical coverage and his willingness to tackle in space—traits that should translate quickly to the collegiate level ([SI][3]). With two veteran corners set to depart after 2025, Texas can offer Howard a clear path to early playing time, a factor he cited as critical in his decision.

Impact on Texas’s 2026 Class and Defensive Outlook

Howard’s pledge vaults Texas’s class into the top 20 nationally and cements its standing among defensive‑minded programs ([SI][3]). As the first defender to commit, he anchors a recruiting haul that already features five‑star quarterback Dia Bell and four‑star offensive weapons. On defense, Howard bolsters a secondary in transition, adding length and athleticism that align with coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s preference for aggressive, turnover‑driven play. His addition also enhances Texas’s recruiting footprint in Louisiana, signaling to other Bayou State prospects that the Longhorns are a destination of choice.

Reaction and Next Steps

The announcement generated immediate excitement among coaches and fans. Head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Howard’s competitiveness and upside, while teammates welcomed him as “a game‑changer in the secondary.” Howard plans to take his official visit on June 6 before enrolling in Austin next spring. He will join offseason conditioning and defensive back camps, where coaches expect him to vie for snaps from Day 1.

As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Howard adjusts to Texas’s schemes and the speed of college football. If his spring camp performances are any indication, the Longhorns have secured a versatile, high‑ceiling corner whose commitment could pay dividends in Big 12 play and beyond. For now, Texas fans can celebrate a major recruiting coup—landing Hayward Howard Jr. marks a clear statement of intent as the program rebuilds toward national contention.