Jace Howard’s final season at Michigan might not have played out the way he envisioned, but his story extends beyond the box score
In an era where player movement is common and coaching changes are inevitable, Jace’s commitment to the program and willingness to see it through—even when sidelined—deserve recognition.
As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, Howard represents a broader narrative in college athletics: that of adaptation, identity, and the pursuit of opportunity in ever-changing circumstances.
As the 2024–25 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Jace Howard adapts to his new role and how Fordham performs under Mike Magpayo.
If things go right, the Rams could become one of the A-10’s most improved teams—and Howard could become a centerpiece of that transformation.
For now, Howard can relish the fresh start, the support of his peers, and the opportunity to finally prove himself as more than just a role player. The Bronx is ready—and so is Jace.
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Jace Howard Transfers to Fordham
After five seasons with the Michigan Wolverines, guard Jace Howard is making a major change in his college basketball journey.
On Friday, Howard officially announced via Instagram that he is transferring to Fordham University for his final season of NCAA eligibility.
The move marks a fresh start for the 6-foot-7 guard and an opportunity to play a bigger role on a new stage—this time in the heart of New York City.
Howard’s decision comes at a pivotal point in both his personal development and Fordham’s basketball program.
While his time in Ann Arbor was marked more by leadership and effort than on-court production, the transfer to Fordham presents a chance to redefine his career and take on a more prominent role in his final collegiate season.
Let’s get it @FordhamMBB !!! Time to work🗽 pic.twitter.com/ngqqTqdl5t
— Jace (@JaceHoward_) April 29, 2025
Support from Friends, Teammates, and Celebrities
As soon as Jace Howard posted his announcement, the support from fellow athletes, friends, and even celebrities poured in.
The post quickly gained traction, drawing enthusiastic comments from former teammates and well-known figures.
Justin Pippen Jr., the son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, simply commented, “I like this,” while Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery added, “Congrats twin 🤞🏻.”
Others also chimed in with messages of support. Former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara wrote, “Congrats bro!!” and women’s basketball star Macy Brown commented, “So excited for you❤️❤️ you’ll be so missed 🥹🥹.” The love wasn’t just limited to former Wolverines—celebrity friends also welcomed the move. “Come on over!! ❤️❤️,” said singer Annick Blaize, while reality TV personality Tyler Cameron added, “City boy!!!”
The outpouring of encouragement underscored the respect and admiration Howard has earned over the years, both as a teammate and as a person.
Jace Howard: Struggles at Michigan
A Career of Limited Opportunities
Despite being the son of former NBA champion and Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, Jace Howard’s on-court impact in Ann Arbor was modest.
Over five seasons, he appeared sparingly, often used in limited roles off the bench. This past season was particularly challenging; he played a career-low five games and averaged just 0.8 points and 1.2 rebounds per game.
However, those numbers don’t tell the full story of Howard’s time at Michigan. He was known for his leadership, work ethic, and presence in the locker room.
He became a mentor for younger players and contributed to team culture, even when his name wasn’t often called during games.
That said, for a player in his final year of eligibility, the desire for more playing time and a more central role was understandable.
A Fresh Start in the Big Apple
Jace Howard’s move to Fordham gives him a new stage and a chance to contribute meaningfully on the court.
Located in the Bronx, Fordham plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10), where Howard is expected to get significantly more minutes than he did at Michigan.
With Fordham coming off a disappointing 12-21 season, there’s room for growth—and that could start with experienced players like Howard.
As a veteran with Big Ten experience, he brings leadership, maturity, and defensive versatility to a team that struggled on both ends of the floor last season.
Fordham fans and coaches alike will be hopeful that Howard can become a key rotational piece—or even a starter—in what they aim to be a turnaround season.
Jace Howard: Fordham’s Recent Struggles and a Coaching Change
Howard isn’t the only fresh face at Fordham. The Rams are also undergoing a coaching transition.
Mike Magpayo, the former head coach at UC Riverside, will now lead the program, taking over for Keith Urgo.
Magpayo brings a reputation for defensive toughness and player development, two areas where Fordham hopes to improve.
The coaching change comes in the wake of off-court issues as well. The program received a two-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA due to recruiting violations during Urgo’s tenure.
The sanctions cast a shadow over the program, but the arrival of a respected coach like Magpayo and veteran players like Howard might be just the reboot the school needs.
What Howard Brings to Fordham
Jace Howard’s value doesn’t necessarily come from eye-popping stats. Instead, he offers intangible qualities that every coach craves: hustle, leadership, defensive focus, and basketball IQ.
At 6’7”, Howard has the size to guard multiple positions and the court vision to operate as a secondary playmaker.
With Magpayo likely emphasizing discipline and structure, Howard’s high character and willingness to play a role should mesh well with Fordham’s evolving identity.
It’s also possible that Howard will find more freedom in Fordham’s offensive system, allowing him to showcase skills that weren’t highlighted in Michigan’s depth-heavy rotations.
A Family Legacy, A Personal Path
Playing under your father is never easy, and Jace Howard’s time under Juwan Howard at Michigan had its share of scrutiny.
There were always whispers about favoritism or pressure, but Jace carried himself with grace. Now, he steps away from the shadow of that legacy and into his own spotlight at Fordham.
This move allows Jace to carve out his own identity in his final collegiate season—an opportunity to show what he can do outside of the family fold. That independence might be exactly what he needs to unlock the next level of his game.
From Ann Arbor to NYC: Embracing the Culture Shift
- Leaving the Midwest for New York City is no small transition. The pace of life, the media spotlight, and the basketball culture are all vastly different. But Jace Howard seems ready.
- His social circle already includes entertainers and high-profile athletes, and his ease in the spotlight suggests he’ll handle the attention well.
- At Fordham, he’ll be playing in one of the biggest media markets in the world, with Madison Square Garden just a subway ride away.
- The exposure could also provide professional opportunities—whether in basketball, coaching, or even media.
- Jace Howard’s story is also a reminder of how the NCAA’s transfer portal has reshaped college basketball.
- Players now have the flexibility to seek new environments that better fit their needs, especially later in their careers.
- For Howard, this isn’t just a change of location—it’s a chance to rewrite his story.
- Many players find their best form after transferring, and with a strong support system and a hungry program behind him, Howard is well-positioned to take full advantage of this second chance.
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Jace Howard: Dusty May’s Immediate Impact
It’s important to understand that Dusty May wasn’t brought in to simply maintain the status quo—he was expected to win. And win he did.
In his debut season at Ann Arbor, May led the Wolverines to a 27-10 record, a significant improvement over their previous campaigns.
The Wolverines made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, winning two games before falling to the top-seeded Auburn Tigers.
With such results in his first year, it’s hard to criticize May’s decisions from a purely performance standpoint. But such changes inevitably come with casualties—Jace Howard being a prominent example.
When Juwan Howard took over as Michigan’s head coach in 2019, the idea of seeing his son, Jace, suit up for him carried emotional weight for fans and the university. That narrative took on added significance with each season, especially as Jace started carving out his own identity apart from his father’s legacy.
A Deeper Look at the Numbers
Statistically, Jace Howard’s drop-off in 2024-2025 is jarring. From 12.7 minutes per game to just 20 minutes across an entire season is not a typical decline; it’s a disappearance.
And this occurred despite Howard being fully healthy for the most part, a departure from previous injury-riddled seasons.
Meanwhile, players who fit Dusty May’s up-tempo and spacing-focused system began to flourish. Jace, a more traditional and defensive-minded guard, didn’t fit the mold May envisioned for his rotation.
As a result, he became the odd man out in a suddenly competitive lineup.
But that emotional story reached an anticlimactic end under May. Jace’s presence became almost symbolic—a reminder of the previous regime. In many ways, the lack of minutes reflected a broader effort to move on from the Howard era entirely, both on the court and culturally.
What’s Next for Jace Howard?
Jace Howard now finds himself at a crossroads. With one year of eligibility remaining, he can choose a new school and seek the minutes he was denied in his final season at Michigan.
The transfer portal offers him a fresh start—possibly at a mid-major program where his leadership and experience could be invaluable.
There’s also the possibility of playing internationally or pursuing opportunities outside of playing, including coaching, like his father. Given his basketball IQ and connections, those paths are far from unrealistic.
Michigan’s Rotation Without Jace
Dusty May’s rotation thrived even without Jace Howard, thanks to a mix of returning talent and new transfers. The team emphasized pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting—areas where Jace didn’t particularly shine.
His absence didn’t seem to disrupt chemistry or depth, a testament to May’s system and recruiting prowess.
While this validates May’s decision from a strategic standpoint, it also underscores the changing nature of roster building in college basketball, where fit often trumps loyalty.
Jace Howard: Asia Tour
Jace Howard shared some of his glimpses from his last year Asia Tour, on his social media profile.
View this post on Instagram
Evaluating the Human Cost of Coaching Changes
Any coaching change brings about personnel shifts, but Jace Howard’s story reveals the human side of that equation. Players who commit to programs under certain coaches often find themselves displaced when a new system is introduced.
For Jace, the emotional attachment to Michigan made the lack of opportunity even more bitter.
Yet his professionalism throughout the season—staying with the team despite his diminished role—speaks volumes about his character.
A Legacy Reimagined
Though Jace Howard’s playing career at Michigan ended quietly, his overall contribution shouldn’t be dismissed.
He served as a glue guy, a vocal leader on the bench, and a consistent presence in a program that experienced plenty of turbulence.
His time in Ann Arbor coincided with one of the most unique father-son dynamics in recent college basketball memory.
Whether or not he finds success elsewhere, Jace’s journey has already carved a niche in Michigan basketball lore—not through stats or accolades, but through resilience, loyalty, and character.
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