Will Howard – Ohio State NIL Deals, Net Worth, Player Information: Comprehensive Profile and 2025 Updates
Will Howard, the quarterback for Ohio State, stands out not just for his play but for the buzz around his NIL deals and estimated $7 million net worth. Among college athletes, he’s grabbed attention for his NIL earnings, which hover around $1.2 million—a number that puts him among the top college football players for endorsements and partnerships.
People keep an eye on every move he makes, curious about how his brand partnerships add to his financial profile and what this means for college sports. If you’re interested in player development, market value, or the growing world of NIL, Howard’s story at Ohio State gives a real glimpse into the changing scene.
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Will Howard’s Ohio State Journey
Will Howard’s football story starts in Pennsylvania, winds through standout high school years, and takes a big turn with a strategic transfer. His journey is really about growth, chasing opportunity, and handling the pressure of being the Buckeyes’ quarterback.
Background and Early Life
Howard grew up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. From an early age, he leaned into sports—especially football.
He played quarterback at Downingtown West High School and quickly became a leader. At 6’5″, he fit the position physically, even as a teenager.
His high school career featured playoff runs and all-state honors, which got college recruiters’ attention. Besides football, he played basketball, but his focus shifted as scholarship offers started to pile up.
By graduation, he was known as one of Pennsylvania’s top quarterback prospects.
Recruitment and Commitment to Ohio State
Howard originally signed with Kansas State out of high school, picking the Wildcats over several other offers. Recruiting sites like 247 Sports highlighted his size, arm, and leadership.
He spent several productive years at Kansas State, leading them to big wins and earning All-Big 12 recognition. When he entered the NCAA transfer portal, he wanted a shot at a bigger stage.
Ohio State, with head coach Ryan Day, moved quickly. The Buckeyes needed an experienced quarterback after losing players to the NFL.
Ohio State’s reputation for developing NFL talent made Columbus a great fit for Howard. Recruiting analysts saw his transfer as a major win for the Buckeyes.
Role on the Buckeyes
After transferring, Howard took over as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. He brings poise and experience, and he makes decisions with a calm that’s rare in college football.
His leadership earned quick respect in the Buckeyes’ locker room. Howard’s style meshes with Ryan Day’s offense, which leans on passing accuracy and reading defenses.
He runs a complex offense, using both his arm and some mobility to create plays. Here’s a quick look at his early Ohio State stats:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 2,150 |
| Touchdowns | 18 |
| Interceptions | 6 |
| Completion % | 65.2% |
| Rushing Yards | 245 |
Howard balances the passing game with timely runs, making him a key figure in Ohio State’s plans. With him at quarterback, the Buckeyes stay in the national conversation.
NIL Deals and Earnings
Will Howard has become a big name at Ohio State—not just for his play, but for his NIL deals and earnings. In the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) world, he’s near the top among college quarterbacks, especially at OSU.
Overview of NIL Landscape
The NCAA’s NIL policy lets athletes make money from their name and brand. Ohio State jumped to the front of the NIL scene, with football players landing major sponsorships.
Deals often involve sports brands, apparel, or tech companies. For quarterbacks like Howard, NIL opportunities can be anything from social media promos to national ad campaigns.
Most deals are endorsements or social media campaigns, but some top players get bonuses for appearances or commercials. High-profile quarterbacks at big schools can really cash in.
Will Howard’s Major NIL Partnerships
Howard’s NIL earnings are impressive, even for Ohio State. His deals add up to about $1.2 million, putting him among the top college football earners.
He’s partnered with JLab Audio and Grippo’s Chips, lending his image to products and promotions. Some deals come with flat fees, while others have performance incentives.
Here’s a look at his reported NIL earnings and partnerships:
| Brand/Company | Estimated Deal Value | Type of Deal |
|---|---|---|
| JLab Audio | $200,000 | Product promotion |
| Grippo’s Chips | $150,000 | Social media, appearances |
| Other endorsements | $700,000-850,000 | Apparel, tech, etc. |
| Total Estimated | $1.2 million |
These numbers might shift as new deals come in, but Howard’s spot in the NIL landscape is secure. His partnerships match his impact on the field.
Comparison to Other Ohio State Players’ NIL Deals
Howard’s NIL earnings put him at or near the top for Ohio State athletes. Rising QB Julian Sayin and standout receiver Jeremiah Smith also have strong NIL numbers, but not quite as high.
Sayin’s estimated NIL worth is close to $800,000, and Smith’s is around $600,000. Devin Brown, another OSU quarterback, is active in the NIL market but trails behind Howard and Sayin.
Howard’s higher profile and national endorsements give him the edge. The numbers show just how much NIL deals can vary—even on the same team.
Analyzing Will Howard’s Net Worth
Howard’s financial picture is a mix of his quarterback play and his marketability in the NIL era. He’s earned money from football contracts and endorsements at both Kansas State and Ohio State.
Estimated Net Worth Breakdown
Howard’s estimated net worth sits around $7 million for 2025. That figure includes NIL deals, sponsorships, and football-related compensation.
While at Kansas State, his profile grew, but the move to Ohio State boosted his exposure and earning power. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Revenue Stream | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| NIL deals and endorsements | $1.2 million |
| Football scholarships/stipends | Varies (unreported) |
| Career savings and investments | Portion of $7 million |
| Other appearances/merchandise | Smaller share |
About $1.2 million comes directly from NIL deals. At a high-profile program like Ohio State, Howard’s national status opens doors for more brand partnerships and media opportunities. You can find more details at Will Howard’s net worth overview.
Earning Power Compared to Peer Quarterbacks
Howard’s NIL earnings put him in the higher-paid bracket for college quarterbacks, though he doesn’t crack the national top 10. His $1.2 million in NIL deals lands him at number 34 in the On3 college football rankings.
Some elite quarterbacks at other big-name schools can see NIL numbers over $2 million per season. Howard’s move to Ohio State definitely raised his earning ceiling, thanks to the Buckeyes’ national reach and bigger brand.
His rise is impressive, considering the crowded quarterback field and the challenges of transferring. If you want to see more about Howard’s NIL rankings, check out his NIL value breakdown.
Player Profile: Skills and Performance
Will Howard is a quarterback with real game-changing ability. He’s got experience from Kansas State and Ohio State, and he’s developed into a reliable leader.
Playing Style and Strengths
People know Howard for his poise in the pocket and a quick release. He manages the offense confidently and makes smart decisions, even when things get tense.
He’s accurate on short and intermediate throws and doesn’t force the ball into trouble. His size and athleticism help him escape pressure, and he can extend plays outside the pocket.
Howard’s footwork has improved, especially in spring practice, and he’ll pick up key yards on the ground when needed. He reads defenses well, adjusts plays at the line, and takes advantage of coverage mistakes.
His leadership keeps teammates steady, especially in close games. Howard’s command of the offense and awareness make him a good fit for high-tempo college football.
College Career Highlights
Howard started his college career at Kansas State, where he became a starter early. Over several seasons, he built a reputation for toughness and work ethic.
After transferring to Ohio State, he made an immediate impact in spring practice and won the starting job. Here’s a look at some key career stats:
| Season | School | Games Played | Passing Yards | Pass TDs | Rushing Yards | Rush TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2023 | Kansas State | 27 | 5,786 | 44 | 854 | 18 |
| 2024 (Spring) | Ohio State | – | – | – | – | – |
Howard’s performances in rivalry games and bowl appearances helped separate him from other quarterbacks. At Ohio State, he’s expected to lead in big matchups and bring experience to a stacked roster.
His growth at both schools says a lot about his adaptability and football IQ.
NFL Draft Prospects and Future Outlook
Will Howard’s been turning heads at Ohio State, not just for his football skills but for his leadership, too. Scouts are watching him closely as he adjusts to a new coaching staff and shows off in spring practice. That’s shaping up his reputation as an NFL prospect.
Assessment of NFL Draft Potential
Howard stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 236 pounds, so he’s got the size NFL teams want. Scouts point out his strong arm, quick release, and how he can throw while on the move.
At Kansas State, he started for four years. That gave him a solid stat sheet and real experience running an offense.
Right now, most projections put him somewhere in the middle rounds for the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s usually ranked as the No. 7 quarterback in his class and falls inside the top 100 overall prospects.
Here’s a quick look at his college stats:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 46 |
| Passing Yards | 7,899 |
| Touchdowns | 65 |
| Interceptions | 31 |
| Rushing TDs | 19 |
Howard’s draft stock could rise depending on how he plays this fall and what he shows at the NFL Combine. Scouts are especially interested in his decision-making and whether he can hit deep throws.
Preparation and Development at Ohio State
Coach Ryan Day’s known for developing quarterbacks, and Howard’s definitely benefiting from that. Spring practices gave him a chance to adjust to new schemes and get in sync with Ohio State’s receivers.
Coaches have praised his leadership and how calm he stays when things heat up. The Buckeyes’ offense mixes passing and running, so Howard gets to show off some versatility.
He’s been working on his footwork and learning to read defenses better. The competition at Ohio State is pushing him to be more consistent.
NFL scouts want to see if Howard can handle Big Ten defenses and cut down on turnovers. Every start this season is a shot for him to boost his draft position and show he can run a pro-style system.
For more details on Howard’s profile and where he stands in draft rankings, check out his NFL Draft scouting report.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Will Howard’s move to Ohio State has definitely stirred up interest among analysts and fans. Media outlets are watching his performance, leadership, and impact on team dynamics pretty closely.
Reactions from Analysts and Experts
Analysts at places like 247 Sports keep mentioning Howard’s arm and all that experience from Kansas State. Some think his ability to stay cool under pressure could make him a solid option for the Buckeyes at quarterback.
Sportswriters on Buckeye Talk have noticed how quickly he’s picked up Ohio State’s playbook. A few highlight his upbeat attitude, though others are a bit cautious, pointing out that the Big Ten is a different animal.
Here’s how Howard did in Ohio State’s 2024 spring game:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Completions | 14 |
| Attempts | 19 |
| Passing Yards | 168 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
Those numbers have sparked a lot of talk about whether he can really lead OSU this season.
Fan Expectations and Community Response
The Ohio State fan base talks a lot about Howard on social media and forums. Interest in his progress is pretty high.
Supporters often mention his estimated $7 million net worth. They see it as proof that his profile and marketability keep growing.
Some fans feel optimistic. They hope Howard can solve the recent quarterback issues.
Others sound more cautious. They want to see him face tough Big Ten defenses before getting too excited.
Local news outlets and podcasts keep tracking Howard’s development. Many in the community believe his ups and downs will shape OSU’s hopes for 2025.
Every performance gets a lot of attention—maybe too much, honestly. But that’s just how it goes with Ohio State football.
