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Auburn transfer forward Jahki Howard commits to Utah

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•04/18/25•

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Jahki Howard (Photo by Auburn Athletics)
Jahki Howard (Photo by Auburn Athletics)

Auburn transfer forward Jahki Howard committed to Utah, he told On3’s Joe Tipton. The 6-foot-6 freshman is a former four-star recruit.

Howard appeared in 21 games this past season as a true freshman at Auburn. During that time, he averaged 4.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game, and he will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Howard is a Boston native and previously played for Atlanta (Ga.) Overtime Elite. He was the No. 70 overall player from the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Jahki Howard is the fourth transfer commitment for Utah so far this cycle as new head coach Alex Jensen takes over. The Utes have lost nine players to the portal, though, following a 16-17 overall record this past season and a loss to Butler in the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament.

Jensen played under the great Rick Majerus at Utah from 1994-95 and returned to the program from 1997-2000 following a two-year mission. He was a key part of the 1998 team that won the national championship, averaging 6.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while starting all 38 games.

After his college career ended, Jensen played at the professional level in Europe from 2000-07. He then returned stateside and reunited with Majerus at Saint Louis, working under his former head coach as an assistant until 2011.

From there, Jensen became the head coach of the Canton Charge in the NBA D-League and returned to the state of Utah as an assistant coach with the Jazz in 2013. He remained in that role until 2023 when he headed to Dallas to work under Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. Now, he’s taking over at his alma mater.

“My basketball journey has been filled with so many people who have helped shape me as a coach and as a person, ultimately guiding me to this opportunity to lead the Runnin’ Utes basketball program,” Jensen said in a statement. “I’m thankful for all of the great mentors I’ve had along the way as I embark on this next step to lead Utah Basketball.

“This is an exciting chapter for my family and me, and I’m looking forward to returning to a place that has meant so much to me. I can’t wait to get to work with our student athletes, coaches and the University as we move forward to achieve our goals. I want to thank University of Utah President Taylor Randall, Athletics Director Mark Harlan and the University of Utah Board of Trustees for their faith in me as we move into the future of Utah basketball.”