In a move that has sent ripples through college football, four-star tight end Jamel Howse Jr. has officially announced his decision to transfer from LSU to Ohio State. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound athlete, who had shown immense promise during his time with the Tigers, shared the motivations behind his decision in an exclusive interview. His move to Ohio State is expected to impact both programs, and fans on both sides are eager to understand the reasoning behind Howse’s bold choice.
Howse Jr. came to LSU with high expectations. As a highly ranked recruit out of high school, he was one of the most coveted tight end prospects in the nation. Known for his blend of size, athleticism, and strong hands, Howse was poised to be a key part of LSU’s future offensive plans. However, after spending a year with the Tigers, Howse realized that his development was being hindered by factors that didn’t align with his long-term goals. “At LSU, I felt like I wasn’t being used the way I needed to be. I needed an environment where I could grow and contribute in the way I know I can,” Howse said.
Ohio State, with its rich tradition of developing elite tight ends, emerged as the perfect fit. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have consistently produced high-quality, NFL-ready players, and Howse was eager to take advantage of that opportunity. “Ohio State has a reputation for maximizing their players’ potential, especially at the tight end position. With Coach Day’s offense, and the way they incorporate tight ends into the system, I felt this was the place for me to thrive,” Howse explained.
One of the key attractions for Howse was the opportunity to play in Ohio State’s dynamic, pass-heavy offense. The Buckeyes have consistently shown their ability to get the tight end involved in various facets of the game, from blocking in the run game to becoming a key red-zone target. Tight ends like Jeremy Ruckert in recent years have shone under Day’s system, and Howse sees himself following that path. “I want to be a versatile player who can block and make plays in the passing game. Ohio State’s offense will allow me to show everything I can do,” Howse said.
Additionally, Howse was drawn to the strong culture at Ohio State. “The players and coaching staff at Ohio State are all about competing at the highest level and pushing each other to be the best. I wanted to be a part of that,” he mentioned. The culture of accountability, combined with the program’s commitment to excellence, was another major factor that made the transition appealing.
The move also aligns with Howse’s long-term goals of reaching the NFL. With Ohio State’s track record of sending tight ends to the next level, Howse sees this as the best opportunity to develop and improve his draft stock. He believes that the coaching staff at Ohio State will help him refine his skills and prepare him for the professional ranks.
Though it was a difficult decision to leave LSU, Howse emphasized that he has no hard feelings toward the Tigers. “I’ll always be grateful for my time at LSU and for the opportunity to play for such a great program. But at this stage in my career, I knew that I needed to make a change for my growth,” he said.
As Howse gears up for his time at Ohio State, both the Buckeyes and the LSU Tigers are eager to see how this move will impact both programs. If Howse can develop as expected in Columbus, he could become one of the most dynamic tight ends in college football, and potentially a future NFL star.
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