Coming off a 10-4 season and a berth in the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns were blessed by the gridiron gods. Former SEC quarterback Walker Howard announced he was coming home to play for coach Michael Desormeaux and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. That announcement was music to the ears of Desormeaux and the fans.
Howard brings elite talent to a Ragin' Cajuns quarterback competition at a time when it is needed the most. In addition, Howard brings experience and a level of competition from his time with LSU and Ole Miss, as good as it gets among upper-tier college football programs.
In the Vermilion and White Spring Game, Howard accounted for two touchdowns as he led the Vermilion squad to a 21-16 victory.
𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝. ✍️ Welcome 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 to the #cULture, @Walker_Howard4! #GeauxCajuns
As a dominant prep quarterback in the Acadiana area, Howard led St. Thomas More to two consecutive state championships in 2019 and 2020. In his final two seasons at the prep level, Howard passed for over 5,800 yards and 67 touchdowns.
That production led Howard to be rated as a top ten quarterback in the Class of 2022 and a top 100 prospect by 247Sports. That 2022 quarterback class also included Drew Allar (Penn State), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Conner Weigman (Texas A&M, now at Houston) and Gunner Stockton (Georgia).
Howard received 22 scholarship offers, including offers from LSU, Ole Miss and Louisiana. He signed with LSU.
However, Howard wore the purple and gold for just one season. He was stuck at the bottom of the depth chart behind future Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. As a result, Howard decided to punch his ticket on the Lane Train and transfer to Ole Miss and play for Lane Kiffin.
But again, luck and opportunity were not on Howard’s side, as Jaxson Dart had a stranglehold on the QB1 job for the Rebels. So, Howard transferred back home. Coach Desormeaux and the Ragin' Cajun fanbase welcomed him with open arms.
The significance of Howard’s transfer to Louisiana cannot be overstated. It is an example of a program that possesses a winning mindset and the proper culture to attract elite talent. Combine Howard’s presence and his elite skills with the 18 starters that return from the Ragin' Cajuns Sun Belt Conference runner-up squad, and the 2025 campaign could turn into a fais dodo for Cajuns fans.
