The NCAA transfer portal is buzzing again, and now former top-5 quarterback Walker Howard is back in the mix. Once a highly-touted recruit, Howard’s college career has been a wild ride—transfers, injuries, barely any playing time.
Now, as he enters the portal for the third time, he’s searching for a new shot to finally show what he can do and, hopefully, settle into a real home on the field.
Walker Howard’s High School Stardom
Walker Howard was a big name in the 2022 recruiting class. At St. Thomas More High School in Louisiana, he stood out, quickly becoming a key part of Brian Kelly’s first LSU recruiting class.
Ranked as the No. 40 overall prospect and No. 5 quarterback by 247Sports, Howard had some serious expectations on his shoulders right from the start.
Choosing LSU
Even after a coaching change at LSU, Howard stuck with the Tigers. That loyalty meant a lot to the program, and fans were excited to see what he could bring to the field.
College Career: A Series of Setbacks
Things didn’t really go as planned. At LSU, Howard barely got a chance to play, stuck behind Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier.
He only attempted four passes during his one season with the Tigers. Not exactly the breakout year anyone hoped for.
Transfer to Ole Miss
Looking for more playing time, Howard headed to Ole Miss in 2023. But that move didn’t solve much.
The Rebels already had Jaxson Dart, a future NFL first-rounder, so Howard was left watching from the sidelines again. Over two seasons, he threw just six passes for Ole Miss.
A New Start at Louisiana
Trying to hit reset, Howard transferred to Louisiana for his redshirt junior season. He started the first game against Rice, but then an oblique injury put him out for five games.
By the time he was healthy, Lunch Winfield had taken over as the starter. Howard couldn’t quite get his spot back.
Limited Action and Transfer Portal Entry
He ended up playing in six games, completing 18-of-41 passes for 155 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. On the ground, he added 15 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown.
It wasn’t the season he’d imagined, and now he’s back in the portal, hoping for a better shot somewhere else.
Looking Ahead: The Search for a New Home
So, what’s next for Howard? He’s determined to find a place where he can actually make an impact. The journey’s been rough, but his talent is still there.
He was an Under Armour All-America game guy, made it to the Elite 11 Finals—he’s got the skills, if someone gives him a real chance.
Potential Landing Spots
There are definitely teams out there that could use a quarterback like him. If a program is willing to invest, Howard’s grit and drive to overcome setbacks could pay off.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
The NCAA transfer portal has totally changed college football. Players like Howard can look for new opportunities, and coaches can fill gaps fast.
Howard’s journey shows how tough—and how hopeful—the process can be. The portal might just give him the break he’s been chasing all along.
Conclusion
Walker Howard’s story? It’s all about resilience and hope. He’s had setbacks. He hasn’t played as much as he wanted.
Still, he’s chasing that dream of being a top college quarterback. As he looks for a new team, you can bet his drive and skill will catch some eyes.
Who knows where he’ll end up next? Maybe this time, he’ll finally get to show what he can really do.
For more on Walker Howard and the latest NCAA transfer portal updates, check out Sports Illustrated.
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