Howie Johnson is a freshman defensive lineman for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Forest Lake, Minnesota native attended Forest Lake High School, where he served as a two-time team captain and recorded 261 tackles (181 solo), 88.0 tackles for loss, and 20.0 sacks across his prep career. Johnson earned consensus four-star recruit status and was ranked by 247 as the No. 141 player nationally and No. 19 defensive lineman. He was a Mr. Football finalist as a senior and a three-time all-state honoree. Johnson also competed in track and wrestling, earning all-state honors in shotput and discus and all-section recognition as a heavyweight wrestler.

Minnesota2026 — present