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Minnesota's former top-ranked recruit Jaxon Howard commits to Gophers

Howard was the No. 1 recruit in Minnesota in 2023
Jonathan Harrison|
Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) runs with the ball chased by LSU Tigers linebacker Jaxon Howard (11) in the fourth quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.
Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) runs with the ball chased by LSU Tigers linebacker Jaxon Howard (11) in the fourth quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. | © Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Jaxon Howard is returning to Minnesota.

Howard confirmed on social media Friday that he has joined the Gophers after entering the spring transfer portal.

Howard entered the transfer portal after just one year at LSU where he appeared in five games, mainly on special teams.

The 6-foot-4 edge rusher was a four-star recruit and the No. 1 recruit in Minnesota in 2023. Landing Howard means P.J. Fleck has landed the last four No. 1 recruits in the state. He was the No. 18 edge rusher in the nation, according to 247Sports.

The Gophers received a verbal commitment from Emmanuel Karmo, the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class. Minnesota narrowly edged out Ohio State for the 2024 No. 1 recruit safety Koi Perich. Trey Bixby, the 2022 No. 1, committed to the Gophers, though he recently entered the portal.

Howard's father played for the Vikings after starring at Stanford. He also coached Jaxon at Robbinsdale Cooper, and was delighted with the news of his son's return.

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Jonathan Harrison for Bring Me The Sports
JONATHAN HARRISON

Jonathan Harrison is a Minnesota-based sports writer and radio host who contributes to Bring Me The News and Sports Illustrated's On SI network. Primarily serving as video host and editor for Bring Me The News, Jonathan also covers the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves and Gophers. He can also be heard on 1500 ESPN in the Twin Cities during the MLS season, where he serves as host and analyst for Minnesota United radio broadcasts.