Alabama Crimson Tide Building Momentum From Prized LSU Football Offensive Target

Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers made a move for Oak Ridge (Tenn.) four-star tight end Malik Howard as his recruitment process explodes amid a pivotal offseason in his recruitment.

Howard checks in as the No. 8 rated tight end in the 2027 Recruiting Cycle with programs galore entering the race for his commitment following a strong junior campaign.

The 6-foot-4, 231-pounder is coming off of a 2025 season where he hauled in 53 catches for 778 yards (14.7 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns on the prep scene.

"Modern F-TE projection with the hands, fluidity and post-catch urgency to be a featured target in any passing attack. Measured just under 6-foot-4, 225 pounds the summer before junior year. More notably, came in with a near 6-foot-10 wingspan," 247Sports wrote of Howard's game.

"Sticky hands and superb body control lead to acrobatic grabs in traffic as he can float with his timing and make mid-flight adjustments. Competitive once the prize is secured as he’s quick to turn and get up field. Not a burner per se, but can attack cushion with his burst and sink the hips to break off defenders at the top of routes.

"Added mass would help with in-line responsibilities, but is a willing blocker that can break the door down when asked to pull and lead. Projects as a potential impact player at the Power Four level that can be positioned around the formation in search of matchups."

Blessed to receive an offer from @LSUfootball @CoachJoeCox @Lane_Kiffin ‼️@Grade_aTraining @PennySmith_@BuckFitz @tomloy @samspiegs @ChadSimmons_ @shaynep_media @RyanCallahan247 @Coach_Rang @SeanW_247Sports @jaxon_rose8 @Hunter_DeNote @adamgorney @Andrew_Ivins pic.twitter.com/JgVDYX368N
— Malik Howard 4⭐️ ‘27 TE (@Malik_Howard81) February 27, 2026

Now, his recruitment is taking off with schools galore entering the race for his commitment after earning double-digit scholarships, but Howard is focusing on the South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores, Miami Hurricanes, Texas A&M Aggies, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Tennessee Volunteers.

LSU will now look to build momentum for Howard after a recent offer to Howard, but the talented tight end has now locked in an official visit with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

4-Star TE Malik Howard @Malik_Howard81 is set to officially visit Alabama on May 29 weekend.

Alabama TE coach Richard Owens is in constant contact with him. I will get my first look at him at a loaded @thesevens7on7 7v7 Tournament today.

More coming to @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/K0kL43MbJl
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) February 28, 2026

Kiffin and LSU tight ends coach Joe Cox are battling for America's top prospects this offseason with a pivotal stretch ahead as unofficial and official visit season nears.

Now, the Bayou Bengals will look to get Howard to Baton Rouge on a visit as he begins evaluating contenders in his process.

More LSU News:

LSU Football, Ohio State Buckeyes, USC Trojans Among Top Schools for No. 4 Rated WR

LSU Football Predicted to Land Commitment From Elite Louisiana Running Back

Paul Finebaum Reveals Bold Statement on LSU Football's Lane Kiffin Amid Major Move

Join the Community:

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers On SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage surrounding the LSU Tigers.