Will Howard’s road to redemption against the Texas Longhorns has been a long time coming. The Ohio State quarterback, who has put together a standout season in Columbus, has an emotional score to settle with a team that has plagued him in the past. During his time at Kansas State, Howard faced the Longhorns three times, and each time, Texas proved to be his kryptonite. As Howard prepares for his first College Football Playoff game with Ohio State, there’s no doubt that the sting of those defeats remains fresh, particularly as he gets another shot at Texas—this time, with a chance to redeem himself and claim the biggest victory of his career.
“I’m definitely excited to get another chance at these guys,” Howard said, per ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “That was the only team I didn’t beat when I was in the Big 12. They’re always a good team. But none of those games were unwinnable.”
Howard’s history with Texas is a story of near-misses, gut-wrenching losses, and what-ifs. The most vivid of these encounters occurred in 2020 when Texas ran over Kansas State in a 69-31 rout. As a freshman, Howard was thrown into the fire against a powerhouse Texas squad and struggled to keep pace with the Longhorns’ offensive juggernaut. While Howard’s development as a player has been exponential since then, that lopsided loss set the stage for a rivalry that would carry on for the next couple of seasons.
In 2021, Howard and Kansas State showed marked improvement, keeping things much closer in their second meeting with Texas. The Wildcats were up 17-13 in the second half, but once again, they couldn’t finish the job, falling 20-17. It was a heartbreaker for Howard and his teammates, but the quarterback remained confident in their potential against the Longhorns. The sting of that loss didn’t disappear, though. “They always seem to make plays when they need to,” Howard remarked after the game. “But we’re right there with them. We’ll get them next time.”
By the time 2023 came around, Kansas State and Texas met again in a thrilling contest that came down to the wire. This time, the Wildcats pushed Texas to overtime, but in a gut-wrenching sequence, Kansas State couldn’t punch it into the end zone on four consecutive plays from inside the 10-yard line. The final result was a crushing 24-21 overtime loss—a result that still eats at Howard, even as he dons the scarlet and gray of Ohio State.
“That one still sticks with me,” Howard admitted. “I don’t like how that one ended. We were right there. We had a chance to win it, and we just couldn’t finish.” Howard’s frustration was evident as he recalled the missed opportunity, knowing that one more play could’ve sent the Wildcats to victory. “I know there’s a lot of people back in Kansas that are rooting for the Buckeyes to get this one done against these guys,” Howard said, knowing full well that many fans in his former home state would be watching closely when Ohio State faces Texas again in the College Football Playoff.
Across those three games, Howard threw for 566 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. While those numbers are impressive, they don’t tell the full story of his battles against the Longhorns—each defeat left a bitter taste, and none of those games came easily. But now, with the backing of an offense full of elite talent and a chance to shine in the brightest spotlight of his career, Howard is more determined than ever to finally claim a victory over Texas.
One of the key factors that will help Howard in this latest challenge is the addition of a new weapon in the form of freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. In 2023, Smith has quickly emerged as one of the most unstoppable players in college football, and he’s already being projected as a potential top-five pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. In fact, some analysts even believe he could be the No. 1 overall selection, and his performance in the 41-21 Rose Bowl victory over Oregon cemented his status as a future superstar. Smith caught seven passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout win, showcasing a combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him a matchup nightmare for any defense.
Texas is well aware of Smith’s talent and will no doubt have a game plan to slow him down. However, the challenge of defending Smith one-on-one is a tall order for any cornerback. His ability to create separation with ease, coupled with his physicality and ball skills, makes him nearly impossible to stop. As Howard prepares to face Texas, he knows that Smith will be an integral part of the offensive game plan, and he will undoubtedly be counting on the freshman to shine on the national stage.
“Jeremiah has been great for us,” Howard said of his standout receiver. “He’s someone I trust, and I know he can make plays when we need him. He’s as talented as any wideout I’ve ever seen, and I’m excited to see what he can do against Texas.” With a receiver of Smith’s caliber at his disposal, Howard has the perfect weapon to take on the Longhorns, and it’s clear that Smith could be the difference-maker in this contest.
While Texas has shown it can be a formidable opponent throughout the season, Howard and the Buckeyes are playing at a different level. Ohio State’s offensive scheme, coupled with the firepower that Howard has at his disposal—Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and others—makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the College Football Playoff. Howard’s experience against Texas and his desire for redemption adds an emotional edge to what is already a highly anticipated matchup.
As Ohio State gears up for the College Football Playoff, Will Howard has a chance to right the wrongs of his past and silence the memories of those three losses to Texas. With the firepower at his disposal and the chance to finally deliver a victory over the Longhorns, Howard’s confidence is soaring. He knows that the road to the national championship runs through teams like Texas, and he’s ready to seize this opportunity, not just for himself but for his teammates and the entire Ohio State program.
For the Buckeyes, this game represents more than just another playoff matchup—it’s a chance for Will Howard to exorcise his personal demons, and for Ohio State to prove they’re the team to beat in college football. If Howard can lead Ohio State to victory, it will be a monumental step in his career and solidify his place as one of the great quarterbacks in Ohio State history. As for Texas, they’re about to face a quarterback with a lot to prove and a weapon in Jeremiah Smith who could very well be the one to bring Howard his long-awaited win over the Longhorns.
