When it Comes to Will Howard’s Tenure in Columbus, the Ohio State Starter Has the Same Question as Buckeye Nation
Ohio State football, with its storied history of dominance in the Big Ten Conference and national championships, has always been a program where expectations are sky-high. Every season, fans, coaches, and players alike anticipate championship runs and Heisman-level performances, especially at key positions like quarterback. Over the years, quarterbacks like Troy Smith, Justin Fields, and Dwayne Haskins have etched their names in Buckeye lore. The pressure to live up to that legacy is ever-present for those who don the scarlet and gray, particularly the starting quarterback.
In the 2025 season, a new name entered the spotlight: Will Howard. Howard, who transferred to Ohio State with hopes of continuing his career after spending his early years at Kansas State, brings with him a wealth of experience, maturity, and talent. But as he navigates the early phases of his tenure in Columbus, Howard is grappling with a question that mirrors the one on the minds of every Ohio State fan: Can Will Howard be the one to bring the Buckeyes back to the pinnacle of college football?
To understand the complexity of Howard’s situation, it’s essential to examine both his background and the context of his move to Ohio State. Let’s delve into the journey that led Will Howard to Columbus and the high expectations that have followed him, as well as the questions surrounding his potential success in one of college football’s most competitive programs.
From Kansas State to Ohio State: The Journey So Far
Will Howard’s journey to Ohio State wasn’t an overnight decision. The young quarterback spent his first few seasons at Kansas State, where he was a standout performer for the Wildcats. After being thrust into the starting role as a freshman, Howard’s play exhibited flashes of potential, though his consistency was still a work in progress. Over the course of his college career, Howard honed his skills, becoming a more confident and polished player. His ability to manage games, make quick decisions, and show leadership on the field was evident.
However, by the time Howard made the decision to enter the transfer portal, Kansas State had already become a program on the rise. The Wildcats were competing at a high level in the Big 12, and with a talented young quarterback room, Howard may have seen limited opportunities to grow further in Manhattan. His move to Ohio State was seen as a step up — an opportunity to join one of the premier programs in college football and compete for a national title.
What made Howard’s decision even more intriguing was the fact that Ohio State was already home to a strong quarterback tradition. The Buckeyes had been blessed with exceptional quarterbacks under head coach Ryan Day’s leadership, and the competition in the quarterback room was always fierce. Notably, Ohio State had seen incredible success with C.J. Stroud, who helped lead the team to multiple College Football Playoff appearances.
Yet, despite Ohio State’s quarterback pedigree, Howard wasn’t looking to just be a backup. He was determined to take the reins and prove that he could perform at the highest level. In a quarterback room that already featured a highly touted recruit like Kyle McCord, the challenge would be significant, but Howard’s leadership and experience were qualities that made him stand out.
The Question on Every Mind: Can Howard Live Up to the Hype?
The question that every Ohio State fan has, and the one Will Howard himself is grappling with, is clear: Can he be the quarterback to bring Ohio State back to its championship-winning ways?
Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has been incredibly successful, but it hasn’t captured a national championship since 2014. In recent years, the Buckeyes have seen tremendous success in the regular season but have faltered in critical moments, particularly in the College Football Playoff. With the program recruiting elite talent year after year, fans have grown restless, yearning for the ultimate success that would place Ohio State back at the top of college football.
For Howard, stepping into that role of leadership and responsibility brings immense pressure. At Ohio State, the quarterback is expected to not only manage games but also lead the offense with poise, deliver the ball to a bevy of talented receivers, and take advantage of an elite running game. While Howard’s previous experience at Kansas State showed promise, the step up to Ohio State presents a new set of challenges, particularly the immense expectations placed on the starting quarterback.
The comparison between Howard and his predecessors at Ohio State will be inevitable. Names like Fields, Stroud, and Haskins hang over any new quarterback entering the fray, as those players have set an incredibly high bar for what a Buckeye quarterback should accomplish. Fans expect their quarterbacks to excel at the highest level, whether it’s winning Big Ten titles or contending for national championships. The pressure to replicate or even surpass the success of those legendary figures looms large.
Furthermore, Ohio State has built a culture of winning in which every player is expected to rise to the occasion. Whether it’s a championship run or beating Michigan, the stakes are always high in Columbus. Howard’s ability to perform in those high-pressure moments will be a defining factor in his tenure as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback.
Howard’s Strengths: Why He Could Succeed
Despite the pressure, Will Howard does have several key qualities that make him a strong candidate to succeed as Ohio State’s quarterback. His experience, leadership, and adaptability are crucial traits that bode well for his future success in Columbus.
- Experience and Maturity: Having spent several seasons at Kansas State, Howard brings a wealth of experience to the table. He’s already faced adversity, led his team in tough games, and developed a level of maturity that younger quarterbacks may lack. This experience will help him navigate the pressures of playing at a school like Ohio State, where the spotlight is always on.
- Strong Arm and Physical Tools: One of Howard’s standout attributes is his physical skill set. He possesses a strong arm, good mobility, and the ability to make all the necessary throws. In Ohio State’s high-powered offense, having a quarterback who can deliver the ball downfield and stretch the defense is crucial, and Howard has shown the ability to do just that.
- Leadership: A key factor in Howard’s success at Kansas State was his leadership. Quarterbacks are the face of a program, and Howard has demonstrated an ability to rally his teammates and handle the responsibility of leading an offense. His presence in the huddle, ability to make quick decisions, and composure under pressure will be critical as he leads one of the top teams in the nation.
- Football IQ: Howard has a high football IQ, which is crucial in Ryan Day’s complex offense. The Buckeyes run a dynamic scheme that requires the quarterback to read defenses, make quick decisions, and process information rapidly. Howard’s experience and understanding of the game give him a head start in mastering Ohio State’s system.
The Key Challenge: Meeting Expectations
Despite these strengths, Howard’s journey will be defined by how he meets the ever-present expectations surrounding Ohio State football. The Buckeyes are expected to compete for national championships every season, and that includes their quarterback. While Ohio State has recruited and developed elite talent across the board, Howard’s success will ultimately depend on how he manages those high expectations.
The toughest test for Howard will be his ability to handle the big games — the rivalry with Michigan, the Big Ten Championship, and, ultimately, the College Football Playoff. If Howard can rise to the occasion in these critical matchups, he’ll solidify his place in Ohio State history. But if he falters, doubts will inevitably creep in about whether he is the one to lead Ohio State to the promised land.
