Minot North's Ethan Howey becomes UND's first 2027 commitment

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound edge prospect held an offer from North Dakota State.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Ethan Howey, a standout edge player from Minot North High School in North Dakota, has committed to play football at the University of North Dakota (UND) as part of their 2027 recruiting class. Howey, who held an offer from rival North Dakota State, cited UND's coaching staff, weight room facilities, and nutrition program as key factors in his decision.

Why it matters

Howey's commitment is an important early win for the UND football program as they look to build momentum for the 2027 season. As an in-state prospect with an offer from a rival school, landing Howey is a significant recruiting victory for the Fighting Hawks.

The details

Howey, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound edge player, has played two seasons of varsity football for Minot North High School. He has seen time at both left tackle and edge rusher, and was named a first-team all-state offensive lineman last season. In addition to football, Howey also competes in track and field for the Sentinels, placing fifth in the shot put at the state meet last year.

  • Howey committed to UND earlier this week.
  • Minot North lost to Devils Lake in the North Dakota Class AA state championship last fall.

The players

Ethan Howey

A 6-foot-4, 245-pound edge prospect from Minot North High School in North Dakota, who has committed to play football at the University of North Dakota as part of their 2027 recruiting class.

Eric Schmidt

The head coach of the University of North Dakota football team, who has a background coaching the edge position and played the position at UND en route to the 2001 NCAA Division II national championship.

Lance Rucker

A starting edge player for the University of North Dakota in 2025, who finished the season with 11.5 sacks, breaking the previous school record.

Kaden Vig

A starting edge player for the University of North Dakota in 2025, who was an all-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection alongside teammate Lance Rucker.

Jacob Holmen

The head coach of the Minot North High School football team, who is a former long-snapper for the University of North Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“The coaching staff and the weight room and stuff — that really made a big part of it. (The weight room) is bigger than the ones I've seen so far and has the nutrition right by it.”

— Ethan Howey (grandforksherald.com)

“Playing football more”

— Ethan Howey (grandforksherald.com)

What’s next

Howey plans to early enroll at UND next year, joining the Fighting Hawks for spring ball.

The takeaway

Ethan Howey's commitment to UND is a significant recruiting win for the Fighting Hawks, as they were able to land an in-state prospect with an offer from rival North Dakota State. Howey's combination of size, skill, and potential make him an exciting addition to UND's 2027 recruiting class as they look to build on their success from the 2025 season.