New Rebels QB Walker Howard Eager to Compete For Starting Job

Walker Howard discussed the Ole Miss quarterback competition in his first media appearance since transferring from LSU.

OXFORD, Miss. -- The highly anticipated Ole Miss Rebels quarterback competition is underway in Oxford.

Highlighted by returning starter Jaxson Dart, and talented transfers Walker Howard and Spencer Sanders, the Ole Miss quarterback battle will be something to keep an eye on all offseason.

Howard got his first opportunity to speak with the media since transferring from LSU on Thursday after spring practice and was quick to explain why he decided to come to Ole Miss.

"I just like to compete," Howard told reporters. "I came [to Ole Miss], talked to coach [Lane] Kiffin when I was in the portal and he just told me that he was gonna let me compete. That's all I care about, I just want to compete. It's gonna make me better, and make all the guys around me better."

The former 4-star recruit had plenty of programs to choose from after entering the NCAA Transfer Portal in January but ultimately decided to stay in the competitive SEC West. Lane Kiffin's offense played a significant role in alluring Howard's talents to Ole Miss.

"I really love the offense at Ole Miss," Howard said. "It kind of reminds me of the offense I ran in high school. A lot of tempo, spreading the ball and slinging it around. The offense did it, and the coaches around me also did a great job when I came to visit. I really fell in love with Oxford."

The Ole Miss quarterback battle has been the talk of the offseason and Howard detailed how he has meshed with his veteran competitors, Dart and Sanders. 

"We all get along pretty well," Howard said. "We do a lot of throwing outside of workouts together. Me, Spencer [Sanders], and Jaxson [Dart] have gotten along really well. They both help me a lot just because their older guys who have played a lot of years in college. It's been great so far."

Howard then explained his decision to leave LSU and how hard it was.

"I made the decision for myself, I kind of made a selfish decision," Howard said. "You have to be selfish in those situations. I had to see what the best fit for me was, and I thought [leaving LSU] was the best fit for me. It's been great so far and I don't regret it at all."

While he's only two practices into spring football, Howard couldn't help but glow when talking about the weapons on the Ole Miss offense.

"We have a lot of weapons," Howard said. "A lot of skilled guys, especially the tight ends room, bringing in Caden [Prieskorn] was big, but Trigg is a matchup. He is a slot matchup, he's gonna do so well. Our outside receivers are doing really well, and Chris Marshall's coming along. We're gonna keep pushing, but receivers are in a good [position] right now."

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You can follow Ben King on Twitter at @BKing_2023.

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