4-star Utah QB visit could set foundation for 2028 recruiting class

Jamar "JJ" Howard, a talented quarterback recruit in the 2028 class, visited Salt Lake City recently to check out the Utah football program and the surrounding campus.

Based on the post Howard shared to his X account shortly after his trip, it would appear the Utes managed to reestablish their position in the race to land the Clovis West High School (California) standout over the course of his visit.

In the caption of his post, Howard confirmed Utah extended him another offer after a "great visit." The four-star and No. 13-ranked quarterback in the class, according to On3/Rivals, made sure to tag Utes quarterback coach Ryan Gunderson in the post as well.

Because Howard's first offer from Utah was submitted by the team's previous regime, it was important that Gunderson connect with the touted signal caller so the Utes didn't give up all their ground in his recruitment going into his junior year. Several other power conference schools have joined the mix since Utah entered the fray last summer, with offers coming in from Cincinnati, Auburn, Arkansas, Colorado, Michigan and Kentucky in the past two months alone. That's not including the schools that were in early on Howard, like Oregon, Washington, Arizona and BYU, for example.

According to the list of scheduled visits Howard shared in February, he's met with a handful of his suitors in the past few weeks, including Arizona, Tennessee, Kentucky, Purdue, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Utah and BYU. UCLA (May 2) is the last stop on his visit tour.

Given Morgan Scalley and his staff still have a lot of work to do regarding their 2027 recruiting class, entertaining any thoughts about the 2028 class might feel like giving undue attention to something that can wait a few more months. But because of the transfer portal's volatility, today's assets could easily become tomorrow's problems, and being left out to dry at the quarterback position is something Utah probably doesn't want to have to deal with if it can help it.

Based on Utah's current quarterback room, Devon Dampier will have graduated; Byrd Ficklin will be entering his senior year; and the Utes' pair of 2026 signees, Michael Johnson and Kane Archer, will be heading into their junior seasons by the time the 2028 season rolls around. In reality, though, there's a good chance not all three signal-callers are on the roster by then, which is why it's important that Scalley and his staff look to replenish the position with young talent on a year-to-year basis.

Time will tell whether the Utes prioritize quarterback in the 2027 class. It looked like Thaddeus Thatcher could be a long-term answer for Utah, though he backed off his pledge in January amid the coaching changes the program went through following Kyle Whittingham's departure. As a result, three-star wide receiver Kingston Parks stands as the only commit in Utah's 2027 class.

Without a commit in the 2028 class, Gunderson and the rest of Utah's offensive coaching staff, including coordinator Kevin McGiven, have a blank slate to work with as they search for the right quarterback prospects to potentially lead the Utes' offense down the line. All signs point to Howard being a viable candidate for the job.

#AG2G after a great visit and conversation with @itsGundy I’m Blessed to be re-offered from the University of Utah!! pic.twitter.com/MEfrAc88j8
— Jamar “JJ” Howard Jr. (@JamarHoward2028) April 1, 2026