Arkansas continues its aggressive push in the transfer portal, and Friday brought yet another key addition to the Razorbacks’ secondary. Former Middle Tennessee State safety John Howse IV has committed to Arkansas, adding experience, versatility, and a physical presence to a defensive backfield that’s been rapidly reloading this offseason.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 194 pounds, Howse arrives in Fayetteville with a résumé that speaks to both production and durability. He played in all 12 games for MTSU this past season, starting 11 of them and leading the team’s defense in total snaps with 688. That kind of workload doesn’t just happen-it’s earned, and it’s a testament to his consistency and trustworthiness on the back end.
In 2024, Howse was named MTSU’s Defensive Player of the Week after the season opener and earned Fourth Team All-CUSA honors from Phil Steele. He finished fifth on the team in tackles with 48, but it’s the impact plays that really stand out: 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Whether it was coming downhill to stuff the run or dropping into coverage to make a play on the ball, Howse showed the kind of all-around game that Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams covets.
His breakout moment came early in the season when he made his first career start against Tennessee Tech. He didn’t waste the opportunity-five tackles, a tackle for loss, and a 42-yard interception return in 67 snaps.
From there, he kept the momentum going. Against Ole Miss, Howse delivered a stat-stuffing performance: six tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup.
That’s the kind of game that gets coaches’ attention, and it’s clear Arkansas believes he can bring that same firepower to the SEC.
Before his time at MTSU, Howse spent three seasons at Vanderbilt, where he saw action in 21 games and recorded an interception in 2023 against Kentucky. While his role was more rotational in Nashville, he showed flashes of the player he would become-particularly in 2022, when he posted a season-best three tackles in a win over Northern Illinois.
Howse’s football journey started in Brentwood, Tennessee, where he was a standout for Brentwood High School. A consensus three-star prospect, he was one of the top defensive backs in the state and helped lead his team to a state championship game appearance during his senior year.
His high school career was filled with accolades: four-time All-Region honoree, Dandy Dozen selection, and first-team All-Midstate recognition. He wrapped up his senior season with 28 tackles, four interceptions, and three pass breakups, showing early signs of the ball-hawking instincts that have followed him to the college level.
Howse now joins a Razorbacks transfer class that has been nothing short of relentless this cycle. Arkansas has addressed needs across the board-offensive line, linebacker, wide receiver, and especially in the secondary. With Howse in the fold, the Hogs continue to build a defense that’s not just deeper, but faster, more experienced, and more disruptive.
This commitment is just the latest in a flurry of portal activity. In recent days, Arkansas has landed players from across the college football landscape: Christian Harrison from Cincinnati, Jahiem Johnson from Tulane, Jamonta Waller from Auburn, Shelton Lewis from Clemson, and Khmori House from North Carolina, just to name a few. The Razorbacks are clearly targeting Power Five talent with proven production, and they’re not shy about stacking their roster with experienced playmakers.
The final day of the 15-day transfer window has arrived, and Arkansas has made the most of every hour. With John Howse IV now officially on board, the Razorbacks add a battle-tested, high-IQ safety who brings leadership and a playmaking edge. He’s the kind of player who fits right into the culture Arkansas is building-tough, smart, and ready to compete in the SEC.