Malik Howard Commits to Tennessee Over Alabama, Notre Dame and Oregon
Josh Heupel’s sustained recruiting push persuaded the Oak Ridge prospect to stay home as Tennessee promises a larger receiving role for tight ends.
Overview
- The commitment, announced Saturday, June 6, 2026, came during an official visit to Tennessee and ends a nationally contested recruitment.
- Howard is a four-star prospect from Oak Ridge listed by Rivals among the country’s top tight ends and measured around 6-foot-4 and 230–231 pounds.
- He chose Tennessee over finalists that included Alabama, Notre Dame and Oregon after canceling a planned official visit to Alabama.
- Howard cited Josh Heupel’s personal involvement, repeated visits from Tennessee coaches and a promise of expanded tight-end routes as key reasons for his decision.
- The pledge is a major in-state win that strengthens Tennessee’s 2027 class and signals the program’s aim to feature tight ends as primary receiving options.