The University of Utah men’s basketball team, led by head coach Alex Jensen, scored a major recruiting victory by landing Jahki Howard, a former Auburn forward, through the NCAA transfer portal. Howard marks the fourth player to join the Utes via transfer this offseason.
Howard attracted widespread attention during his time in the portal, with schools such as Illinois, NC State, Washington, Ole Miss, and others expressing interest. However, Utah secured his commitment during a virtual meeting on Friday night. An official visit to the program is expected soon.
Howard was highly regarded in the 2024 recruiting class, earning a 93 rating and ranking 63rd overall per 247 Sports. As a transfer, he still maintains a strong profile with a 92 rating, placing him at No. 170 overall.
During his stint at Auburn, Howard appeared in 21 games but saw limited action after conference play began in January. Despite logging only 86 total minutes, the 6-foot-6 athlete showcased promise. He averaged 4.2 points per game and shot an impressive 54% from the field.
Howard joins a growing list of new faces for Utah, which includes transfers Elijah Moore, James Okonkwo, and Terrence Brown, as well as prep recruit Kendyl Sanders. With these additions, Utah is clearly emphasizing athleticism and potential as it reshapes its roster.
Howard brings elite athleticism to the team and is expected to make an immediate impact. Known for his high-flying dunks and shot-blocking ability, he can shift momentum with highlight-reel plays. He thrives in transition, often finishing fast breaks with authority. Howard is also an aggressive rebounder on both ends, frequently creating second-chance opportunities on offense.
Offensively, he shows promise as a shooter. Although he only attempted 22 three-pointers during his time at Auburn, he converted at an efficient 40.9% clip, suggesting potential for increased volume with development.
The incoming group for Utah now includes Howard, Moore, Sanders, Okonkwo, and Brown, along with Keanu Dawes, Ibi Traore, and Alvin Jackson. This brings the current roster to eight players, leaving seven remaining spots to fill.
As Utah transitions into Big 12 competition, the team has made important strides by bringing in players with a mix of raw athleticism, long-term potential, and multiple years of eligibility. The coaching staff remains focused on identifying additional prospects who can grow within the system.
With several roster spots still available, the Utes will continue hosting visits and actively seeking players who can contribute to both immediate success and sustained development under Coach Jensen’s leadership.
Leave a Reply