Wed Jan 14 16:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Walker Howard Returns to Ole Miss After Transfer Portal Stint
The Story:
Former LSU and Ole Miss quarterback Walker Howard, a four-star recruit from the 2022 class, has re-entered the transfer portal and swiftly signed a contract to return to Ole Miss. Howard, who spent the 2023-24 seasons backing up Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss before transferring to Louisiana for the 2025 season, will have one year of eligibility remaining. The move comes just two days before the transfer portal window closes.
Key Points:
- Walker Howard is returning to Ole Miss after a stint at Louisiana.
- He was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, ranked as the No. 6 quarterback.
- He spent 2023-24 seasons at Ole Miss behind Jaxson Dart, who became a 2025 first-round NFL draft pick.
- Howard transferred to Louisiana for the 2025 season, where he started one game before an injury sidelined him.
- He entered the transfer portal on Tuesday and signed with Ole Miss on Wednesday.
- He will have one year of collegiate eligibility remaining.
- He completed 18-of-41 attempts for 155 yards and three interceptions in six games with Louisiana in 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- The modern college football landscape increasingly involves frequent player movement through the transfer portal.
- Highly-rated recruits don’t always find immediate success or playing time, leading them to seek opportunities elsewhere.
- Injuries can drastically alter a player’s trajectory and lead to further transfers.
- Teams are willing to bring back former players to provide depth at crucial positions.
- The quarterback position remains highly volatile, with constant competition and turnover.
First Piper 