A Season of Triumph and Transition
It has been nearly a month since former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard clinched the national title with a resounding 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. As a Kansas State transfer, Howard’s journey at Ohio State was marked by resilience and determination, culminating in one of the most memorable moments of his college career. Now, with his college football chapter closed, Howard is eagerly preparing for the next phase of his journey—the NFL Scouting Combine and the NFL Draft. Selected as one of 15 quarterbacks to participate in the combine, Howard joins a select group of Big Ten counterparts, including Minnesota’s Max Brosmer, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, all vying for a chance to prove their worth on the professional stage.
The NFL Prospect: Will Howard’s Potential
Despite the excitement surrounding his college success, Howard’s NFL prospects are a bit more uncertain. According to The Sporting News’ latest NFL Mock Draft projection, Howard might not hear his name called during the draft. However, former NFL and XFL quarterback Kurt Benkert has offered a more optimistic view. In a tweet, Benkert compared Howard to a young Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl championship-winning quarterback. "I found my Will Howard comp: Young Joe Flacco," Benkert wrote. "He can make any throw on the field, he’s athletic enough to move the chains on third downs, and he’s willing to stand and deliver with pressure in his face. He gets a little antsy from time to time, and to be honest, some of the throws that he misses are because he’s trying to throw it earlier than he needs to. This isn’t a bad thing, and it’s easy to fix, but he’s definitely a true pro-style quarterback. He’s got some moxie to him as well, which was cool to see come out on film. I could see him being a mid-round draft pick to somewhere like Pittsburgh."
A Heartfelt Farewell
Howard’s departure from Ohio State is more than just the end of a football career; it’s a bittersweet farewell to a chapter filled with growth and achievement. In a tweet shortly after winning the title, Howard expressed his gratitude to coach Ryan Day and former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. "When I first came in here to [play at] Ohio State, I had dreams of competing for a national championship, developing as a player, and hopefully going on to the NFL," Howard said in a tribute video. "But little did I know, walking away from this experience, I’d get so much more." His words capture the essence of the personal and professional growth he experienced at Ohio State, highlighting the impact of his time there on both his career and his character.
Ohio State’s Future at Quarterback
With Howard’s departure, Ohio State faces the challenge of addressing the quarterback position moving forward. Coach Ryan Day is well aware of the importance of this role and the need to find a suitable replacement. "We’re excited to see those guys compete," Day said of his quarterback room, per theScore. "We’ll chart everything. Everything we’ll be a competition. I feel like we’re going to need everybody." Day’s comments underscore the competitive nature of the position and the high expectations for the program. The three primary contenders for the starting role are Julian Sayin, Tavien St. Clair, and Lincoln Kienholz. Each player brings unique skills and potential to the table, setting the stage for an intense competition that could define the future of Ohio State’s offense.
A Legacy of Greatness
Will Howard’s legacy at Ohio State is one of perseverance and success. From a transfer from Kansas State to leading the Buckeyes to a national championship, Howard’s journey is a testament to his skills, determination, and leadership. His ability to perform under pressure and his willingness to take on challenges have made him a role model for his teammates and a fan favorite. As he moves forward into the professional ranks, Howard carries with him the lessons learned and the memories forged at Ohio State, ready to take on new challenges and continue his growth as a player and a person.
A New Beginning
For Will Howard, the transition from college football to the NFL is a new beginning. Whether he hears his name called in the draft or finds his way to an NFL team through other means, Howard is well-prepared for the next chapter of his career. His journey from Kansas State to Ohio State and beyond is a story of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. As he takes the next step, the entire Ohio State community, including his coaches and teammates, will be watching with pride and anticipation, hopeful that Howard will continue to excel and make his mark on the professional stage.
