Pitt FB Recruiting
Three-Star OL Nick Howard Commits to Pitt: ‘They’ve Shown Genuine Love’
Pitt football is building up the trenches in its 2026 class with another commitment from an offensive lineman.
Nicholas Howard — a 6-foot-5, 285-pound three-star prospect from Pearland High School in Texas — made his verbal pledge over the weekend to Pitt while on his official visit.
Howard’s relationships with the staff played a big role in his decision to join the Panthers.
“I love the coaching staff,” Howard told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “They’re so passionate about everything. They don’t hide anything. They’re really genuine. The players, too. They’re real nice and down to earth. Everyone’s so supportive and positive over there.
“Just from Day 1, they’ve shown genuine love and care and they’re really intentional about everything. They’re down to Earth. They’re so real. It had something about them that I felt like I was being cared for. I felt like I was being put in somebody’s good hands.”
100% COMMITTED #BLESSED #H2P pic.twitter.com/MEyPqC1Nvg
— Nicholas “Nick” Howard 26’ (@NickHoward0070) June 8, 2025
Offensive line coach Jeremy Darveau visited Howard in person back in April to extend him a Pitt offer and interest grew quickly for Howard. A few weeks later, Howard narrowed down his recruitment to Pitt, Houston and Texas State.
Darveau and Howard built on their relationship when the offensive tackle was in Pittsburgh for the first time.
“He’s really cool. He’s very funny. He’s easy to talk to. He gives me a lot of advice about the whole recruitment process. Him and my parents get along well. Very informational. Just a great overall coach. I’m ready to work with him,” Howard said.
Howard was joined by his parents during his official visit as they enjoyed the overall experience, perhaps even better than their son.
“They love everything about it,” Howard said. “They probably had a better time than I did. They loved the presentations with the academics and the support that I will get going throughout my career there. They loved it a lot.”
Howard was hosted by offensive lineman Caleb Holmes as the current players took recruits all over Pittsburgh.
“I love it,” Howard said about the city. “It’s so nice. It’s so diverse. I’d say, it’s probably better than Houston in my opinion. There’s so much to do there. Based from what I’ve seen, everyone’s so nice. The hills, the mountains, all the views, the factories — the old mixing in with the new technology, it’s beautiful.”
247Sports rates Howard as a three-star recruit, the 35th offensive tackle in the cycle and 58th-best player in the talent-rich state of Texas.
Howard was an integral part of Pearland’s offensive line that paved the way for the team’s ground attack that averaged 217.1 yards per game and 6.5 yards per carry. The Oilers scored 37 times on the ground on their way to a 9-3 season in 2024.
Check out the Hudl highlights of Nicholas Howard here.
Howard possesses a lot of favorable traits as a bruising offensive tackle. He has a quick first step out of his stance and is aggressive at the point of attack. He earned All-District Honorable mention.
“I think my ability to use my long arms to my favor, my athleticism, my quickness and being able to get off the ball and move into an outside zone,” Howard said about his strengths. “Overall, the IQ of the game and knowing what to do in certain situations.”
Howard joins Pine-Richland’s John Curran III as the second offensive line commit of the 2026 class.
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