John Howse IV, a defensive back who played at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and previously at Vanderbilt, is joining the Arkansas Razorbacks football team.
Howse, originally from Brentwood, Tennessee, started his college career at Vanderbilt. In 2021, he played in two games and redshirted. The following season, he appeared in eight games with five tackles. In 2023, as a redshirt sophomore, he participated in 11 games for Vanderbilt, making 15 tackles and intercepting one pass.
After transferring to Middle Tennessee for the 2024 season, Howse played in all 12 games with 11 starts. He finished fifth on the team with 48 tackles and led all defensive players in snaps according to Pro Football Focus. That season included two interceptions and a forced fumble. During the 2025 season as a redshirt senior at MTSU, Howse started four of the first five games he played before concluding his season at Kennesaw State on September 27. Over those four games, he made 13 tackles including one tackle for loss and one sack.
In high school at Brentwood HS in Tennessee, Howse was ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals and named among the top prospects in the state. He helped lead his high school team to a state championship game appearance.
Howse is the son of John and Lindy Howse and was born on September 7, 2002.
