Michigan’s recruiting board is already taking shape for the 2028 cycle, and two names worth tracking are a fast-climbing quarterback and a highly regarded linebacker with a growing list of suitors.
Three-star quarterback Jamar Howard is headed to Ann Arbor for Michigan’s Sept. 26 game against Iowa, according to The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($). Marich described Howard as “considered a top target for next cycle” and said he is “up there with several guys right now.”
Howard, a California native, checks in at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds. Rivals Industry Rankings list him as the No. 27 quarterback and No. 385 overall prospect in the 2028 class.
His recruitment took off this spring after offers from Oregon, Auburn, Colorado, Cal and others, and Michigan joined the mix with an offer in late March. Since then, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Utah and more have jumped in as well.
On the field, Howard put together a big sophomore season in 2025. He completed 150 of 293 passes for 2,251 yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also added 70 carries for 182 yards and five more scores.
Michigan is still early in its quarterback evaluation for that cycle, but the list of targets already includes some heavy hitters: five-star Georgia commit Jayden Wade, five-star Christopher Vargas, four-star Kaden Craft and four-star Carter Zingelmann, among others.
The Wolverines are also in the mix for one of the top linebackers in the country. Andre Alexander, a top 100 four-star from IMG Academy, spoke with Rivals’ Chad Simmons ($) about his Michigan offer and what stands out about the program.
Alexander, listed at 6-foot-0.5 and 215 pounds, grew up in Virginia before moving to Florida to play at IMG. He has picked up around 20 offers since the start of the year, including Michigan, which he visited for the first time in June. Over the summer, he also made trips to Texas A&M, Georgia and Florida, while Tennessee, Miami and others remain involved.
When asked about Michigan, Alexander pointed to the way the staff operates and the program’s tradition.
“I definitely like the way they coach,” Alexander said. “They definitely have a big history, and they represent it very well down there. I’m looking forward to learning more about that program.”
He also laid out the factors that will matter most as his recruitment moves forward.
“The main three things are relationships with the coaches, putting linebackers in the league and having an opportunity to play early,” he said. “I have not really had time to talk with my parents about visits to games yet, and I have not thought about cutting my list down yet, but that should start happening during the season.
“I’m definitely paying attention to who’s reaching out the most. I’m seeing which ones really want me the most and who really loves me.”
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