 Howell had a successful true freshman campaign, completing 234 of 388 attempts for 3,347 yards with 35 touchdowns and seven interceptions during the regular season.In the Tar Heels' bowl game, he threw for 294 yards and three more touchdowns, bringing his season total to 38, in the 55–13 win over Temple in the 2019 Military Bowl.He earned Military Bowl MVP for his performance, which also included a two-yard touchdown reception on a trick play.