Tennessee beats out Alabama, other top programs for 4-star TE
By David Wasson
Published:
One of the most coveted tight ends in the 2027 recruiting cycle has made his college decision, as 4-star prospect Mailk Howard has chosen to remain inside his home state and play for the Tennessee Volunteers.
The nation’s 11th-best tight end according to the 247 Sports Composite ratings, Howard chose the Volunteers over offers from Alabama, Notre Dame and Oregon among others.
“I’m staying home, Go Vols,” Howard said to Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett.
The 6-foot-4 Howard boasts a 6-foot-10 wingspan and turned in a junior season that featured 53 catches for 778 yards (14.7 YPC) and 11 touchdowns in helping Oak Ridge to an 9-2 record and a spot in the TSSAA Division 1 Class 6A playoffs. His two-year totals include 85 receptions for 1,167 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Howard is Tennessee’s 10th commitment in the 2027 class, including fellow 4-star prospects in receiver Kesean Bowman and offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo.
Tennessee struggled at times in 2025 en route to an 8-5 record that included a 30-28 loss to Illinois in the Music City Bowl. The Volunteers kick off the 2026 slate Sept. 5 at home against Furman (3:30 pm ET, SEC Network+) and begin the SEC slate Sept. 26 at home against Texas.
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An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
