2026 receiver Gavin Howard holding early SEC offers
2026 athlete prospect Gavin Howard made his presence last year at Holmes County Central High School and became a consistent playmaker at different positions. Early in his junior season and the On3 three-star prospect is back at it again.
Howard has helped Holmes County Central get off to another strong start with a 6-2 record and a 3-0 district mark going into Friday’s district showdown with undefeated Cleveland Central. Entering this week’s game, Howard had collected 38 catches for 767 yards and seven touchdowns, and also produced over 600 yards in the return game on kickoffs and punts.
“We started off with a couple of good wins,” the 5-foot-10 and 175-pound Howard recalled. “It was a tough matchup in some games but we pulled through in the end most of the time. They’ve got me at wide receiver, safety and running back. But I like wide receiver the best. I get more touches on the ball there and I’m able to make more plays there.”
Howard is rated as the nation’s No. 62 athlete and the state’s No. 17 prospect by On3. He already owns a pair of SEC offers and that includes an instate offer from Mississippi State.”
“I really didn’t get to take any visits in the summer,” remarked Howard. “I did go to Mississippi State in the spring. So far I have offers from Mississippi State, Auburn, Georgia Tech and Jackson State and it’s a great feeling. I give all honor to God to be able to play football and give it the best I have.”
Howard also has taken in multiple Bulldog games this season. He noted of those experiences and has been pleased with what he’s watched from offensive side of the ball.
“I plan to go back to Mississippi State and go see Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss and that’s about all right now,” Howard said. “I went to Mississippi State’s first game and it was great and I’ve been to another one of their home games. I love how they put the ball in the air and how the receivers made plays on the ball.”
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Howard has also built a good bond with Lebby as well as receivers coach Chad Bumphis. And so far in his recruiting process, he feels wanted by Mississippi State’s staff.
“With Mississippi State I mainly talk to Coach Bump (Chad Bumphis) and Coach Lebby,” noted Howard. “It’s going good and we’ve got a great connection going on. They let me know how much they want me down there. They say I can make plays when I get the ball in my hands and they want me there.”
Of course, Howard is still in the early stages of his recruitment and doesn’t hold any early favorites. But he does know what he wants to see from these schools at the next level when decision time rolls around.
“I am just keeping it open right now,” Howard mentioned. “I want to look at these quarterbacks and see who is able to get the ball to the wide receivers. I want to see how many receivers they have on the depth chart that get on the field. And I want an offense that puts the ball in the air.”
