New Orleans (La.) four-star cornerback Hayward Howard Jr. is experiencing a rapid rise in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle, becoming a top prospect for several Power Four programs. Howard, ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in Louisiana, received an offer from LSU Tigers on Tuesday, bringing Coach Brian Kelly and the program into the race for his commitment.
This offer comes after Howard has already received scholarships from top programs like Florida State, Texas, Texas A&M, Miami, and Ole Miss, among others. At 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds, the standout from Edna Karr High School is now a prime target for LSU.
Currently ranked as the No. 9 prospect in Louisiana, Howard is teammates with two key LSU commits, Richard Anderson and Aiden Hall. His impressive performance continues to draw significant attention from major programs as he heads into his senior year.
LSU, which boasts the No. 1 2026 recruiting class in the SEC and a top-three class nationally, is building an impressive roster. Some notable LSU commitments include:
- Tristen Keys: The top-ranked wide receiver in the 2026 class, Keys made his commitment in March after an impressive junior season with 58 receptions, 1,275 yards, and 14 touchdowns, helping Hattiesburg High to a 13-1 record. Keys is a five-star prospect.
- Richard Anderson: The No. 2 defensive lineman in America, Anderson is fresh off leading Edna Karr to a state championship and was a 5A All-State honoree with 44 tackles, 15 for loss, 10 sacks, and two interceptions. Anderson is the top-ranked recruit in Louisiana and No. 23 nationally.
- Aiden Hall: Ranked as the No. 4 safety in America, Hall committed during his junior year and rounded out his season with 38 tackles, 12 for loss, 4 sacks, and 4 interceptions. He’s a top-75 prospect in the nation.
- Jabari Mack: The No. 1 wide receiver in Louisiana, Mack, also a top-10 national prospect, chose LSU over Texas, Ohio State, and Texas A&M.
- Dylan Purter: The No. 2 defensive back in Alabama, Purter can play both cornerback and safety. LSU secured his commitment over top programs like Alabama, Florida, and Arkansas.
- Brysten Martinez: A four-star offensive tackle from Gonzales, La., Martinez committed to LSU in February. At 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, he’s ranked as the No. 8 offensive tackle in the country.
- Kenny Darby: The No. 7 overall prospect in Louisiana, Darby had an outstanding junior year with 100 receptions, 1,764 yards, and 24 touchdowns. He’s one of the top wide receivers in the state.
- Jakai Anderson: A versatile wide receiver from Louisiana, Anderson had 57 catches for 972 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, also rushing for 151 yards and four scores. He’s ranked as the No. 8 overall player in Louisiana.
- Jalan Chapman: A three-star offensive lineman from New Orleans, Chapman committed to LSU over top programs like Alabama, USC, Georgia, and Tennessee.
LSU is assembling a powerhouse class, with Howard being the latest high-profile target as the 2026 cycle unfolds.