The redshirt freshman defensive lineman announced on X on Saturday his intention to enter the transfer portal. The 6-foot-2, 310-pound native of Chicago played didn't appear in any games this season.

"After meaningful talks with my family and staff, I'm grateful to the University of Wisconsin for helping me grow as a player and person," he wrote. "With that I'm entering the transfer portal with three years of eligibility."

His departure is a blow on a couple of levels.

Howard's departure leaves just four players from UW's 15-man 2023 recruiting class, the class that signed less than one month after Luke Fickell was hired as head coach. Nine of those players left at the conclusion of this season.

The only players left are receiver Trech Kekahuna, tight end Tucker Ashcraft, inside linebackers Christian Alliegro and Tyler Jansey.

Howard's departure is also another hit for the defensive line, which after the secondary, has been the unit hardest hit by portal loss this offseason.

James Thompson, Curt Neal and Hank Weber declared for the portal. Weber has signed with Samford.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin has loaded up on defensive linemen from the portal. The Badgers have signed three players at the position: Charles Perkins (Tennessee Martin), Parker Petersen (Tulane) and Corey Walker (Western Michigan).