The Vols have secured a massive in-state recruitment win, as four-star tight end Malik Howard has chosen to stay in his home state, Tennessee, committing to Josh Huepel’s program. He chose Alabama, Notre Dame, and Oregon after officially visiting those other schools. In a statement to Rivals, he happily announced his decision:
“I’m staying home, Go Vols”
Malik Howard is currently ranked the No. 183 overall in the country and the No. 8 tight end from the Class of 2027. He is also the No. 8 player in Tennessee, with 36 offers from other Division I schools. He currently plays TE for Oak Ridge High School in Tennessee.
247Sports’ Andrew Ivins describes him as a “-Modern F-TE projection with the hands, fluidity and post-catch urgency to be a featured target in any passing attack.” He is a great catcher with “Sticky hands” and is also a multi-sport athlete, also playing basketball for Oak Ridge. However, with his commitment to Tennessee, it seems that he will be sticking to football for college.
He is entering his senior year of high school next season and helped Oak Ridge to a 9-2 record with 53 catches for 778 yards with 11 touchdowns. He had been big for his team as he was an important part of their run to the TSSAA Division 1 Class 6A playoffs.
Given Current Roster, Malik Howard Was A Must-Have For Tennessee
While Tennessee is not having any troubles with the tight end position this upcoming 2026 season, the same cannot be said for next year. Ethan Davis and other seniors are expected to run out of eligibility after next season, with only DeSaahn Brame currently the one filling up that position after they leave. The Vols could always head to the transfer portal, but they also have a true freshman in Howard should he not get flipped along the way.
Howard is now the 10th player from the Class of 2027 to commit to Tennessee, which means that Josh Huepel has been busy recruiting. He is also the sixth player from that class from the state of Tennessee, which shows that the school has also been prioritizing local players for their recruitment efforts.
Read More:
“We Explicitly Prohibit A Super League”: Ted Cruz Shuts Down Rumors Of Possible SEC-Big Ten Merger
Ohio State 2027 Quarterback Recruiting: Top QB Targets Ryan Day Is Going After Ft. Trae Taylor
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
