MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) — Jaxon Howard, the top high school football player in Minnesota from the 2022 class, spent just one season playing in the SEC for LSU. His father, Willie Howard, announced on Monday night that Jaxon would be leaving LSU and entering the NCAA transfer portal.
“Tomorrow marks the start of a new journey for this young man as he officially enters the transfer portal in search of a new team. We’re eager to see where his future will take him and which opportunities will arise. Although the decision wasn’t easy, it was the right one,” Willie shared on social media.
In July 2022, Jaxon committed to LSU over Minnesota, Michigan, and Miami in a public event at Robbinsdale Cooper, witnessed by family and friends. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 245 pounds, Howard played in five games as a freshman, recording two tackles and one quarterback hit.
The transfer portal for college football athletes opened on Monday, likely prompting P.J. Fleck and the Gophers to express interest in Howard. The Gophers’ defensive line currently includes players such as Danny Striggow, Jalen Logan-Redding, Jah Joyner, Deven Eastern, and Anthony Smith.
Tomorrow a new Journey begins for this young man as he officially will be in the Transfer Portal looking for a New Home. Excited to see what God has in store for him and what doors God will Open for him. While it was not an easy decision it was the right 1 @11JaxonHoward pic.twitter.com/v4sKOthOV2
— CoachWillieHoward (@77williehoward) April 16, 2024
College athletes can now transfer without facing penalties and often seek opportunities for greater financial benefits at other schools through name, image, and likeness deals. Although the Gophers retained most of their key skill position players after the 2023 season, they did lose 11 scholarship players to the transfer portal.
With around two more weeks of spring practice left, the Gophers’ roster will adjust as players decide whether to stay or leave the team.
