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Get to know 2026 signee and four-star CB Hayward Howard Jr.

by: Charlie Williams3 hours ago

Whether you’re a diehard recruiting aficionado in need of a refresher or a casual recruiting fan needing only the particulars, this will be the series for you.

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The first national signing day for college football is Wednesday, December 3. This series will give you the chance to familiarize yourself with the next class charged with keeping Texas near the top of the college football world.

To win at a consistently high level requires talented class after talented class. The top-10 2026 class does that following a No. 1 class in 2025.

On the first national signing day, Inside Texas will offer profiles of each member of the 2026 signing class. Up next, Hayward Howard Jr.

The Player:

Hayward Howard Jr.

The Rating:

90.41 (four-star)

The Ranking:

  • No. 279 nationally
  • No. 33 cornerback in the nation
  • No. 10 overall player in Louisiana

The Highlights:

The Recruitment:

Howard’s recruitment with Texas started when former defensive backs coach Terry Joseph offered him and began building a relationship with the standout corner. After Joseph departed for the New Orleans Saints, Texas didn’t skip a beat. Coach Mark Orphey took over the recruitment, with support from LaAllan Clark, who had strong connections to Edna Karr and the Louisiana pipeline.

Texas made Howard a clear priority. The staff spoke to him daily, telling him how much they liked his game and how he’d be a major asset to their program. Howard felt that consistency and respect, and it stuck with him.

Before taking his official visit, Howard said he was “coming with a pen and notepad” — ready to learn everything about Texas, on and off the field. He wanted to understand how Texas develops players as men, prepares them for life after football, and supports them academically and personally.

Once he arrived in Austin, everything clicked. He saw the facilities, the structure, the culture, and the work ethic throughout the program. Even with LSU trying to keep him home — as they do with most top Louisiana prospects — Howard stayed firm. He committed to Texas in May and never wavered.

The Quote:

“When I took my visit to Texas, it felt like I was back home. Spending time around the coaching staff, building relationships, connecting with a few future teammates — it was just a good time for me. It was the culture, the work ethic. I like what Texas stands for. We talked about the system, how I fit into it, the work they put in, the training schedule, and things like that. And it’s just something I wanted to be a part of. Texas just felt like home and it’s the place I wanted to be.”

The Projection:

Howard Jr. projects as a boundary corner. He’s a bigger, physical defensive back who thrives in press coverage, isn’t afraid to set the edge, and will come downhill to tackle. His long legs help him stay in phase even against fast receivers, and his 6’2” frame makes him a natural match for covering bigger outside threats.

He brings physicality, size, and play strength — traits that translate perfectly to the boundary.

The Final Word:

Howard Jr. is a long, athletic, gifted, and physical corner who plays with tenacity, swagger, and an all-business mentality. He approaches football with a maturity well beyond his age and carries himself like a professional everywhere he goes.

Texas is getting a focused, driven, and highly competitive defensive back who is coming to Austin to work, develop, and elevate the secondary.

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