Auburn football continues to make waves in the transfer portal, and their latest move adds significant depth to a position of need. On Friday, former Maryland tight end Preston Howard announced his commitment to the Tigers, solidifying a crucial addition to head coach Hugh Freeze’s roster for the upcoming season.
Howard made the news official via Instagram, sharing his decision with his followers and announcing his move to Auburn. With the Tigers facing departures at tight end, Howard’s addition is a major win for Auburn’s coaching staff and a smart move to fill a void left by some key departures.
Filling a Need: Tight End Room Strengthened
Tight end became a position of immediate concern for Auburn following the departures of Rivaldo Fairweather, Luke Deal, and Micah Riley. All three were significant contributors in 2023, and their absence left a clear gap that needed to be filled. That’s where Preston Howard steps in, bringing not only much-needed depth but also valuable experience.
Howard spent his college career at Maryland, where he saw consistent action over the past few seasons. In total, he caught 37 passes for 349 yards and a touchdown during his time with the Terrapins. The touchdown came in Maryland’s Music City Bowl victory over Auburn in 2023, a memorable performance that showcased his ability to come up big in critical moments.
A Proven Pass-Catcher with Big-Game Experience
Though Howard’s overall stats might not jump off the page, his experience at the Power Five level is invaluable. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end has proven that he can contribute in a high-powered offense, and his ability to make plays in big games—such as his touchdown in the Music City Bowl—demonstrates that he can be a reliable weapon in critical situations.
For Auburn, Howard’s addition is more than just filling a spot on the depth chart. It’s about bringing in a player who can contribute immediately and help elevate the Tigers’ offense as they continue to build under Freeze. With two years of eligibility remaining, Howard is a crucial piece for Auburn’s immediate future, both as a pass catcher and as a mentor for the younger talent in the tight end room.
A Competitive Recruiting Background
Howard’s journey to Auburn has also been shaped by his impressive high school career. A three-star recruit out of Baltimore, Maryland, he was ranked as the No. 464 overall player in the country and the 10th-best player in Maryland according to the 247Sports composite rankings. His pedigree as a highly-ranked recruit means he’s accustomed to competition at the highest level and will be eager to prove himself in the SEC.
His addition to the roster strengthens an already competitive tight end group, with Howard now joining freshmen Ryan Ghea and Hollis Davidson in the position room. Together, they’ll form the foundation of Auburn’s future at the tight end spot, helping to revamp a unit that will be crucial to the Tigers’ success in the coming years.
Auburn’s 13th Transfer Portal Addition
With Howard’s commitment, Auburn has now secured 13 incoming transfers overall, further bolstering their roster with players who can make an immediate impact. Howard is the third transfer tight end added to the team, reinforcing Freeze’s commitment to upgrading every position group through the portal.
As Freeze continues to build his roster with a mix of experienced transfers and high-potential freshmen, the future looks bright for Auburn football. Howard’s experience and versatility will play a vital role in Auburn’s offensive plans for the upcoming season, and fans will be watching closely to see how he fits into the Tigers’ evolving system.
What’s Next for Auburn?
With Preston Howard now in the fold, Auburn’s tight end room is much stronger heading into 2024. Freeze’s strategic use of the transfer portal has already paid dividends, and Howard represents just one of the many moves that will help shape Auburn’s roster for the future.
As the Tigers continue to refine their roster, they’ll look to build on this momentum and ensure that they’re ready to compete at the highest level in the SEC. For now, the addition of Preston Howard serves as another exciting chapter in Auburn’s ongoing transformation under Hugh Freeze.
Auburn fans should be excited—the Tigers’ transfer portal success is far from over, and with players like Preston Howard now on the roster, the team’s future looks increasingly promising.
