It appeared that Purdue would be losing defensive back Geovonte’ Howard to the transfer portal after this past season. However, It appears that Howard is on his way back to West Lafayette.

After initially entering the transfer portal, Howard announced via Twitter that he is indeed coming back and staying with the Purdue program.

2020 was Howard’s first season under Jeff Brohm and the rest of the Purdue staff. He joined the Boilermakers after two seasons at Kilgore Community College. He found success at Kilgore in two seasons as he finished his junior college career with 54 tackles and five interceptions.

In his first season at Purdue, Howard did not have numbers that stood out too much. He appeared in five games, making four tackles. He also finished with three passes defended in his four games. Howard also spent time on special teams.

Now that Howard is set to return, he will have to battle to earn a starting spot in the Purdue defensive backfield. Cory Trice and Dedrick Mackey are both set to return after starting in 2020 for the Boilermakers. His best shot at regular playing time might come at the nickel corner position.