2025 WR Koby Howard Returning to Notre Dame for USC Game
2025 Western High School (Fla.) receiver Koby Howard recorded 70 catches for 808 yards and eight scores as a freshman, but then suffered an injury during the summer before his sophomore season.
The four-star prospect did play a few games as a sophomore, but now, as a junior, Howard feels great and it’s allowed him to take his game to the next level.
“It’s been going great,” Howard told ISD. “I’ve been doing my thing after my injury. As a team, we’ve been looking good, but we’ve had some little hiccups.”
In fact, Howard believes he’s 100 percent so it’s full steam ahead.
“It’s been pretty easy, honestly,” Howard stated. “When I’m on the field, I don’t think about what happened and I don’t feel any pain in my leg anymore. I’m 100 percent with that.”
Howard camped at Notre Dame last summer and left with an offer from the Irish. Notre Dame receivers coach Chansi Stuckey checked in with Howard last week and the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder will be in South Bend in a few weeks to catch the USC game.
“The call went great,” explained Howard. “He was saying he was glad I bounced back from my injury and they were looking forward to me getting up there for a game. He was asking me if I watched the Ohio State game and saw the freshmen catching touchdowns. We just chopped it up and keeping that relationship going.”
And yes, Notre Dame playing freshmen receivers is something Howard has noticed as he hopes to do the same in a few years.
“I want to graduate early and start as a true freshman,” stated Howard. “Notre Dame doing that really makes me keep my eye on them.”
Howard will be at Florida State this weekend and Howard has felt the uptick from not only Mike Norvell’s staff, but other in-state schools to keep top talent in Florida.
“Most definitely,” Howard said when asked if the Florida schools were emphasizing staying home. “Coach (Ron) Dugans was just at the school. I feel like all the Florida schools are upping their recruiting and trying to get Florida kids to stay in Florida.”
The Florida native doesn’t have any other visits set outside of Florida State and Notre Dame, but it doesn’t mean others aren’t coming at him hard. Florida, LSU, Miami, Penn State and Tennessee are programs Howard hears from frequently and the message is simple.
“Schools say I’m good with the ball in my hands, so they want the ball in my hands,” stated Howard.
As for a decision, Howard is taking his time and plans to take his official visits next summer.
“I think I’m going to narrow it down during the spring,” said Howard. “I’ll probably commit before my senior season.”
Under Armour Green Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Ireland Coaches Pullover Hoodie
