OXFORD, Miss. — Sometimes the transfer portal doesn’t create a new story — it brings an old one full circle. Former Ole Miss quarterback Walker Howard, who left Ole Miss for Louisiana Lafayette, entered the NCAA transfer portal recently and has made the decision to return to Oxford, reuniting with a program that has long been part of his football journey.
Howard, who spent the 2025 season with the Ragin’ Cajuns, comes back to Oxford with more experience and perspective than when he first arrived. His return gives Ole Miss a familiar option in a quarterback room that continues to evolve this offseason.
A former five-star recruit who signed with LSU for his freshman season in 2023, Howard transferred to Ole Miss as a redshirt freshman, spending 2023 and 2024 in Oxford before transferring out to ULL. He earned the starting job for the Rajin’ Cajuns before suffering an oblique injury this season.
With quarterback movement defining the offseason and depth at the position more important than ever, Howard’s return provides stability and competition. He understands the expectations, the culture, and the environment in Oxford — advantages that can’t be overstated in a position where trust and preparation matter as much as arm talent.
As Ole Miss continues to reload following a deep postseason run, Howard’s decision adds another layer to the quarterback conversation that is still in flux right now. Rebel quarterback Trinidad Chambliss applied to the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility but was initially denied. He and Ole Miss have appealed the waiver denial, and he has also retained Tom Mars and William Liston to litigate the case should that be required. Ole Miss backup QB Austin Simmons has transferred to Missouri. The Rebels did sign Auburn transfer QB Deuce Knight in the 2026 portal, but it’s expected he may need a season to grow and learn.
Regardless of who is in the quarterback room at Ole Miss, Walker Howard will be a welcome addition who brings experience and a leadership.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com
