Will Howard Ohio State QB Takes Command of Buckeyes Offense in Spring Practice

Will Howard, Ohio State’s starting quarterback, transferred from Kansas State for his senior season. He stands 6’4″ and weighs 235 pounds. Howard’s impressive 4,010 passing yards helped lead the Buckeyes to a school-record 14 wins while starting all 16 games at quarterback.

The Downingtown, Pennsylvania native made an immediate impact after committing to Ohio State on January 4, 2024. Howard’s decision to join the Buckeyes for his final collegiate season proved beneficial for both parties. His size, arm strength, and decision-making have put him on NFL draft boards, with some analysts predicting he could land with an AFC contender like the Steelers.

Howard’s journey from Kansas State to becoming the leader of one of college football’s most storied programs showcases his adaptability and competitive drive. His single season in scarlet and gray demonstrated why he was entrusted with the keys to the Buckeyes’ offense, cementing his place in Ohio State quarterback history.

Early Years and High School Career

Will Howard’s football journey began in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where he established himself as a standout quarterback with impressive leadership qualities. His development at Downingtown West High School set the foundation for his future collegiate success.

Downingtown West High School Achievements

Howard emerged as a multi-year starting quarterback at Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania. His athletic abilities quickly caught the attention of college recruiters, making him a notable prospect in the region.

During his time with the Whippets, Howard demonstrated exceptional dual-threat capabilities. He combined a strong throwing arm with mobility that made him difficult for high school defenses to contain.

Howard’s impact at Downingtown West extended beyond the playing field. Coaches and teammates consistently praised his leadership qualities and work ethic, traits that would later serve him well at the collegiate level.

His senior season performances elevated his recruiting profile, eventually earning him offers from several Division I programs. Howard’s development in Pennsylvania high school competition prepared him for the challenges he would later face in Big Ten football.

The quarterback’s local roots in Pennsylvania add an interesting dimension to his Ohio State career, particularly when facing his childhood favorite team, Penn State.

Recruitment and College Commitment

Will Howard’s path to becoming Ohio State’s quarterback involves a complex recruiting journey that culminated in his commitment to the Buckeyes. His decision has significantly impacted both the team’s prospects and the broader college football landscape.

2024 Recruiting Class

Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting efforts yielded impressive results under head coach Ryan Day’s leadership. The class ranked among the nation’s elite, featuring several five-star talents and key position players.

However, quarterback recruitment took an unexpected turn when five-star quarterback Will Howard announced his decommitment from Ohio State. This momentary setback didn’t deter Day’s recruiting strategy.

The Buckeyes quickly pivoted, securing three-star quarterback prospect Jaystin Gwinn, whose family connection to the program runs deep – his uncle Jayson previously played defensive end for Ohio State.

The quarterback room diversification strategy has become a hallmark of Day’s tenure, balancing high-profile recruits with developmental prospects.

Commitment to Ohio State

Howard’s eventual commitment to Ohio State represented a significant win for the program. Standing at an imposing 6’4″ and 236 pounds, Howard brings both physical presence and proven leadership to Columbus.

His journey hasn’t been without controversy. After initial success, Howard faced questions about his NFL aspirations and commitment to the Buckeyes. In a radio interview, he stated he was committed to returning “as of now”, creating speculation about his future plans.

This uncertainty has fueled a narrative embraced by rival fans, particularly from Michigan. Howard later blamed media misrepresentation and Michigan fans for negative coverage of his commitment status.

Despite these distractions, Howard has continued developing as the projected starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, showing the mental toughness that convinced Day to bring him into the program.

Collegiate Career at Ohio State

Will Howard’s journey with the Ohio State Buckeyes has been marked by impressive performances and strategic leadership. His transition from Kansas State to Ohio State brought new energy to the quarterback position in Columbus.

Freshman Year Highlights

Howard arrived at Ohio State with high expectations after transferring from Kansas State. Unlike true freshmen, he brought valuable experience from his previous collegiate play.

In his debut season as a Buckeye, Howard quickly established himself as the clear starter, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. He started all 16 games at quarterback in 2024, demonstrating remarkable durability.

Howard’s decision-making in crucial moments stood out, particularly in tight conference matchups. His ability to extend plays with his legs added a dimension that Ohio State’s offense had been missing.

The quarterback’s performance in the red zone was particularly noteworthy, converting high-pressure situations into points with both his arm and mobility.

Stat Category	2024 Season
Games Started	16
Passing Yards	3,840
Touchdowns	32
Completion %	67.5%
Rushing Yards	415

Development Under Coach Ryan Day

Coach Ryan Day’s quarterback-friendly system proved to be the perfect environment for Howard’s skill development. Day’s emphasis on timing and precision passing helped refine Howard’s throwing mechanics.

The relationship between Howard and Day evolved into a true partnership on the field. Day trusted Howard to make pre-snap adjustments and audibles based on defensive looks.

Weekly film sessions became Howard’s classroom, with Day pointing out subtle defensive tells that the quarterback could exploit. This attention to detail transformed Howard’s understanding of complex defensive schemes.

Howard’s processing speed improved dramatically under Day’s tutelage. Decisions that once took seconds were now happening almost instantaneously, allowing the offense to operate at peak efficiency.

The quarterback’s footwork and pocket presence showed marked improvement through the season. Technical refinements allowed him to maintain accuracy even when facing heavy pressure.

Comparison to Predecessors

Howard’s style differs significantly from recent Ohio State quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields. While not possessing Fields’ elite athleticism, Howard brings better mobility than Stroud combined with impressive field vision.

Where Howard truly distinguishes himself is in leadership. His calm demeanor during the College Football Playoff run echoed the steadiness of championship-caliber predecessors.

From an NFL draft perspective, Howard currently projects as a mid-second round selection. Scouts praise his decision-making and toughness but question whether his arm talent meets first-round standards.

Howard’s championship experience elevates his stock considerably. Leading Ohio State to a school-record 14 wins demonstrated his ability to perform under the most intense pressure situations.

Unlike some predecessors who struggled with consistency, Howard’s even-keeled performances gave Ohio State a reliable foundation. This steadiness is particularly valued by NFL evaluators looking beyond raw physical tools.

Notable Performances

Will Howard delivered several standout performances during his time at Ohio State, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His combination of passing accuracy and mobility helped the Buckeyes secure crucial victories against top opponents.

Game-Winning Touchdowns

Howard’s clutch performance in the national championship game demonstrated his big-game poise. He completed his first 13 passes, setting a CFP and BCS title game record. His precision passing and timely rushing contributed directly to Ohio State’s victory.

Against Michigan in the rivalry showdown, Howard orchestrated a game-winning drive in the final two minutes. He connected on a 23-yard touchdown pass with just 42 seconds remaining to secure the win.

Howard’s ability to deliver in crucial moments extended to the Nebraska game, where he threw three touchdown passes in the second half to overcome a 14-point deficit. His final touchdown pass came with just 1:18 remaining on the clock.

NFL scouts have particularly noted Howard’s composure in high-pressure situations. Despite being projected as a mid-round pick, his championship performance has boosted his draft stock considerably.

Big Ten Key Matches

Howard’s dominance against Penn State proved he could excel against elite defenses. He threw for 315 yards and four touchdowns while adding 56 rushing yards in Ohio State’s statement win at Beaver Stadium.

The matchup against Nebraska showcased his resilience. After a shaky first half, Howard rebounded to complete 17 of his final 19 passes, including the game-winning touchdown throw.

Opponent	Passing	Rushing	Total TDs	QBR
Penn State	315 yds	56 yds	4	89.2
Michigan	278 yds	43 yds	3	85.7
Nebraska	324 yds	27 yds	4	82.3
Notre Dame (CFP)	231 yds	56 yds	2	91.6

Howard’s performance in the Big Ten Championship game solidified his legacy, throwing for 267 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. His ability to read complex defenses and adjust at the line of scrimmage impressed NFL scouts.

Signature Plays

Howard’s most memorable play came in the national championship when he scrambled for an 8-yard burst on a critical third down late in the game. This conversion ultimately helped the Buckeyes secure their victory.

Against Michigan, his fourth-quarter heroics included a stunning 47-yard touchdown pass where he escaped a collapsing pocket, rolled right, and delivered a perfect strike to his receiver in the end zone.

The Penn State game featured Howard’s signature patience in the pocket. On a crucial 3rd-and-12, he waited until the last possible moment before threading a needle between two defenders for a 28-yard completion.

Howard’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs has drawn comparisons to several current NFL quarterbacks. Draft analysts cite his improved decision-making at Ohio State as a key factor in his development into a legitimate NFL prospect.

Statistical Record and Analysis

Will Howard’s 2024 season with Ohio State has been a statistical leap forward. His numbers showcase his development as a passer and decision-maker at the highest level of college football.

Touchdown Passes and Passing Yards

Howard’s arm talent has been on full display during his time with the Buckeyes. The senior quarterback has thrown for 4,010 yards in the 2024 season, placing him among the nation’s elite passers.

His 35 touchdown passes demonstrate his ability to find the end zone consistently. That impressive total ranks him in the top tier of Power 5 quarterbacks.

Over his college career spanning both Kansas State and Ohio State, Howard has accumulated 9,796 passing yards and 83 touchdowns – numbers that have NFL scouts taking notice.

Season	School	Passing Yards	TD Passes	Completion %
2024	Ohio State	4,010	35	67.8%
2020-2023	Kansas State	5,786	48	61.2%
Career	Combined	9,796	83	64.3%

Howard’s arm strength and improved mechanics have translated to career-high numbers across the board in 2024.

Interceptions and Decision Making

Decision-making remains the area where Howard shows the most growth. With 10 interceptions in 2024, he’s maintained a positive TD-to-INT ratio of 3.5-to-1, showing good ball security.

His quarterback rating of 89.6 (QBR) ranks him near the top of college football, indicating effective play beyond raw statistics. This metric captures Howard’s improved decision-making under pressure.

Howard has shown particular improvement in third-down situations, where his completion percentage exceeds his overall average. This clutch performance speaks to his mental processing and ability to execute in high-pressure moments.

NFL draft analysts currently project Howard as a potential day two selection, citing his size (6’4″), arm talent, and demonstrated improvement curve. His decision-making progression at Ohio State has significantly boosted his draft stock.

Ohio State Offensive Dynamics

The Buckeyes’ offensive scheme has evolved significantly with Will Howard at the helm, creating a system that maximizes both his skill set and the extraordinary talent surrounding him. Howard’s ability to connect with elite receivers while executing Chip Kelly’s strategic vision has transformed Ohio State’s offensive capabilities.

Synergy with Wide Receivers

Will Howard’s connection with Ohio State’s receiving corps has been nothing short of remarkable. His chemistry with freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith has developed into one of college football’s most dangerous combinations.

The timing and precision of Howard’s throws allow Smith to showcase his exceptional route-running and contested catch abilities. What makes this partnership special isn’t just raw talent, but the hours of extra practice they’ve invested.

Howard’s ability to distribute the ball effectively isn’t limited to one target. He’s connected with multiple receivers for crucial third-down conversions and red zone touchdowns.

The numbers tell a compelling story:

Receiver	Completions	Yards	TDs	Avg Yards/Catch
Jeremiah Smith	47	682	8	14.5
Emeka Egbuka	38	512	5	13.5
Carnell Tate	31	438	4	14.1

This balanced distribution has made the Buckeyes’ passing attack nearly impossible to defend.

Offensive Strategy and Playmaking

Under Chip Kelly’s guidance, Howard has elevated his game significantly. The offensive strategy emphasizes quick decision-making and exploiting defensive weaknesses—areas where Howard has excelled.

Kelly’s system requires quarterback mobility, and Howard has delivered with crucial scrambles and designed runs. More importantly, his pocket presence has improved dramatically compared to his Kansas State days.

The NFL scouts have taken notice. Howard is projected as a mid-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some mock drafts linking him to the San Francisco 49ers. His steady improvement curve and leadership qualities are significant factors in his rising stock.

What separates Howard from other draft-eligible quarterbacks is his football IQ. His pre-snap adjustments and ability to progress through reads show a quarterback who understands defensive concepts at an advanced level.

His touchdown-to-interception ratio has improved dramatically, showing the refinement in his decision-making. This growth has transformed Ohio State’s offensive efficiency in crucial game situations.

The Quarterback Room and Competition

Ohio State’s quarterback situation for the 2025 season features an intriguing blend of experience and young talent, creating one of the most competitive rooms in college football. The dynamic between Will Howard and his fellow quarterbacks has been crucial to the team’s success and development.

Competition with Skylar Thompson

Will Howard’s arrival at Ohio State placed him in direct competition with veteran Skylar Thompson. Howard, who broke the Buckeyes’ single-season completion percentage record (73%), ultimately secured the starting position through consistent performance.

Thompson, while an accomplished signal-caller, couldn’t match Howard’s efficiency in the RPO game. Their competition elevated practice intensity, with offensive coordinator Brian Hartline noting how it “raised the floor for everyone.”

The competition statistics tell the story clearly:

Quarterback	Completion %	TD-INT Ratio	QBR
Will Howard	73%	28-7	81.3
Skylar Thompson	68%	18-6	72.8

Howard’s ability to perform under pressure gave him the edge, particularly in two-minute drills where his decision-making proved superior.

Mentorship and Relationship with Devin Brown and Julian Sayin

Howard’s most significant contribution might be his mentorship of younger quarterbacks Devin Brown and Julian Sayin. Despite competing for reps, Howard established himself as a team-first leader.

Brown, a redshirt sophomore, has benefitted immensely from Howard’s guidance on reading complex defenses. “Will showed me how to anticipate rather than react,” Brown explained during spring practice.

Julian Sayin spent the past year watching Howard lead the team to a national title, absorbing everything from footwork fundamentals to the mental aspects of quarterback play.

Howard implemented weekly film sessions with the younger quarterbacks, breaking down opponent tendencies and sharing experiences from his time at Kansas State.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Howard’s leadership extended beyond the quarterback room, earning him respect throughout the locker room. His calm demeanor during the Buckeyes’ comeback against Michigan showcased his poise under pressure.

Howard battled through adversity last season to lead Ohio State to the College Football Playoff, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer. The offensive line’s protection metrics improved significantly with Howard at quarterback, allowing just 1.3 sacks per game compared to 2.4 the previous season.

In team meetings, Howard consistently deflected praise to his teammates, building a culture of accountability and shared success. His pre-game routines became team traditions, particularly his “precision focus” drills that receivers embraced enthusiastically.

Howard’s NFL draft stock has risen considerably, with analysts projecting him as a potential second-round selection due to his accuracy, leadership qualities, and proven ability to elevate a championship-caliber program.

Extracurricular Activities and College Life

Will Howard’s time at Ohio State extends well beyond the football field. His commitment to personal growth and community impact has made him a standout figure on campus in multiple dimensions.

Community Service and Campus Involvement

Howard quickly immersed himself in Ohio State’s community after transferring from Kansas State. He became an active participant in the Buckeyes’ annual visit to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, spending time with young patients and their families.

His leadership extended to campus initiatives through the Block “O” program, where he mentored incoming student-athletes about balancing college demands.

“Getting involved at Ohio State was important to me from day one,” Howard explained during a media session. “This place is special because of the community, not just the football.”

Howard also participated in the team’s “Tackling Illiteracy” program, reading to elementary school students in underserved Columbus neighborhoods at least twice monthly during the season.

Balance Between Athletics and Academics

Howard maintained an impressive 3.6 GPA while pursuing his master’s degree in Sports Management at Ohio State. This academic performance earned him a spot on the Big Ten All-Academic Team for 2024.

His typical day during the season started at 5:30 AM with film study, followed by classes, team meetings, practice, and evening study sessions.

“The discipline required on the field translates directly to the classroom,” Howard noted. “Coach Day emphasizes that we’re students first.”

Howard’s time management skills impressed his professors, with Dr. James Franklin calling him “one of the most organized student-athletes I’ve encountered in 15 years of teaching.”

Academic Achievement	Football Achievement
3.6 GPA	14 wins in 2024
Big Ten All-Academic	CFP National Champion
Master’s in Sports Management	31 TDs, 8 INTs in 2024

Howard’s balance of athletics and academics has strengthened his NFL draft profile, with scouts noting his intelligence as a significant asset for reading complex defensive schemes at the next level.

Prospects and Preparation for the NFL

Will Howard’s journey from Kansas State to Ohio State has positioned him as an intriguing quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His development under the Buckeyes’ coaching staff and performance in high-pressure situations have caught the attention of NFL scouts and general managers alike.

Draft Assessment and Analyst Opinions

Howard has emerged as one of the most intriguing names to watch ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. His stock has risen considerably following Ohio State’s pro day, which attracted five NFL general managers and six head coaches eager to evaluate his capabilities.

NFL draft analysts currently project Howard as a mid-round selection, likely between rounds 3-5. His size (6’4″, 235 lbs) and arm strength meet NFL thresholds, though questions remain about his consistency.

PFF’s draft analysis highlights Howard’s strengths and weaknesses, noting his pocket presence and leadership qualities as major positives. However, his processing speed and accuracy on deep throws remain areas for improvement.

Category	Rating (1-10)	NFL Draft Comparison
Arm Strength	7.5	Kirk Cousins
Mobility	6.8	Ryan Tannehill
Decision Making	7.0	Jimmy Garoppolo
Leadership	8.5	Gardner Minshew
Overall Grade	7.2	Day 2 Prospect

Training and Skills Enhancement

Howard’s preparation for the NFL has intensified during his senior season at Ohio State. He has been working with former NFL quarterbacks and specialized QB coaches, who have refined his mechanics and footwork.

His training regimen includes extensive film study with Ohio State’s coaching staff. They focus on defensive recognition and pre-snap adjustments. These sessions have reportedly improved his ability to quickly process information – a crucial skill for NFL quarterbacks.

Howard has also benefited from Nick Saban’s guest coaching sessions at Ohio State. He gained valuable insights from the legendary coach’s defensive expertise. This exposure has helped him better understand complex NFL-style defenses.

At his pro day, Howard demonstrated improved throwing mechanics and footwork. His ability to make off-platform throws while maintaining accuracy impressed scouts. This showed growth in an area previously considered a weakness.

Howard’s dedication to improving his deep ball accuracy has paid off. His completion percentage on throws over 20 yards has increased by 12% compared to his Kansas State days.