By TJ Omorobe

First, they were in College Park.

Then, they left. 

And now they’re back. 

That’s the story of Lavon Johnson and Preston Howard, whose journey started and will end with Maryland football, despite other stops in between. 

After their sophomore seasons, both Johnson and Howard entered the transfer portal, going to broader horizons in the SEC. But now they have chosen to return during the latest transfer portal cycle.

Head coach Michael Locksley brought in a plethora of transfers for the 2026 season. Johnson and Howard stuck out because of their familiarity with the program. 

Locksley was pleased with their returns and expressed his views on the comebacks. 

“I think it’s a testament to what the University of Maryland means to those guys, and [what it] has to offer,” Locksley said. “I know the talent they have, and they both have had success here for us.”

The additions of Johnson and Howard could prove vital for the Terps, who are looking to combine their experience with the team’s youth to build a formidable squad. 

“Building our depth and building a competitive roster is the best way for us to have a competitive team against other teams,” Locksley said. 

Howard initially left for Auburn following the 2024 season and received playing time with the Tigers. He started seven games, recording 10 receptions for 84 yards. 

“When they come along, they’re able to blend in just right with us, and we’re able to have the defense running better than it did last year,” linebacker Daniel Wingate said of his returning teammates. 

Johnson spent the past season as a defensive lineman for Texas, but battled injuries. He was barely impactful in seven games, totaling five tackles. 

He’s expected to give added leadership to a young defensive line group, joining the rotation. His experience and familiarity will be helpful for his integration into the team.

“It’s really great to have him [Johnson] back so he can be a voice in the [defensive] line,” Wingate said.

Johnson didn’t play under Maryland’s defensive coordinator, Ted Monachino, in his first season with the program, but still has familiarity with his systems. 

“Lavon was with us for a couple of weeks of the spring last year before he left,” Monachino said. “Thrilled that he’s back. I think it’s a plus to have a guy that comes back and knows his way around the system.”

Johnson left Maryland after last Spring, meaning he only spent one semester away from the program. He had already built relationships with the defensive group from last season before leaving, especially Monachino. 

“The beauty of it was that he did actually start to learn the system and some of the concepts and some of the language and all those things. So it won’t be brand new to him,” Monachino said. 

Johnson’s familiarity should bring a much-needed boost to an already strong defensive front. Maryland’s standout freshmen last season, Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart, were very solid, but didn’t have someone like Johnson to be a glue guy.

Now, the Terps have added Johnson back and five-star recruit Zion Elee, who should help terrorize opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks.