Tennessee gets huge commitment from 4-star tight end

The Tennessee Volunteers added another crown jewel to their 2027 recruiting class Saturday, landing a commitment from four-star tight end Malik Howard, one of the state’s top prospects and a prized in-state target for Josh Heupel’s staff.

Howard, an Oak Ridge, Tennessee native, chose Tennessee over a list of national programs that included Notre Dame, Oregon, Alabama, Texas A&M, Miami and several other Power Four schools. The Volunteers strongest competition late in the process came from Notre Dame, while Oregon and Alabama were also heavily involved before Howard announced his decision.

The 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-4, 230-231 pound prospect is regarded as one of the nation’s top tight ends. Recruiting services rank him between No. 8 and No. 11 nationally at his position, while he is also rated as the No. 8 player in Tennessee and as high as No. 183 overall in the 2027 class.

Howard’s production at Oak Ridge backed up that reputation. During his junior season, he recorded 53 receptions for 778 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 14.7 yards per catch while helping Oak Ridge finish 9-2 and reach the TSSAA Division 1 Class 6A playoffs. Across the last two seasons, he accumulated 85 catches, 1,167 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.

Tennessee’s staff made Howard a priority throughout the recruiting process. The Volunteers offered him on June 5, 2024, and he made eight unofficial visits to Knoxville before taking his official visit this weekend. Relationships built with Heupel, offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and the rest of the coaching staff played a major role in Tennessee regaining momentum during the spring and ultimately winning the recruiting battle.

Howard brings a versatile skill set to Knoxville. He is renowned as a hybrid tight end capable of contributing as both a blocker and receiving threat. His size, 6-foot-10 wingspan, strong hands and ability to attack all levels of a defense have made him one of the most sought-after players in the 2027 cycle. He also competed in the Navy All-American Bowl as an underclassman in January, holding his own against many of the nation’s top senior prospects.

The commitment gives the Volunteers their 10th pledge in the 2027 class and sixth in-state commitment. Howard joins a growing group that includes quarterback Derrick Baker, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, wide receiver KeSean Bowman, linebacker JP Peace, defensive lineman Kadin Fife, athlete Jaden Butler, defensive backs Carter Jamison and Brandon Leavell.

The addition also fits Tennessee’s offensive trends under Heupel. Tight ends accounted for 21% of the team’s receptions in 2024 and 20% in 2025, demonstrating the position’s increasing importance within one of college football’s most productive offenses.

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