Will Howard’s Emergence as Ohio State’s Key to Continued Playoff Success

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently competing for national championships and making deep playoff runs. For many years, the program’s success has been driven by elite talent at almost every position, from their storied wide receivers and running backs to their defensive stalwarts. However, one area where the Buckeyes have often seen success and failure hinge on a single player has been quarterback. In 2025, Ohio State finds itself on the cusp of another national title run, and much of its success can be attributed to Will Howard, who has become exactly who the team needs to continue its playoff journey.

The Quarterback’s Role in Ohio State’s Playoff Pursuits

Ohio State’s path to the College Football Playoff (CFP) has always been contingent on getting elite quarterback play. From Troy Smith to Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett, Dwayne Haskins, and Justin Fields, the Buckeyes have never lacked talent at the most critical position on the field. In recent years, however, there have been questions about whether the team could continue its dominance after the departure of Fields and Haskins, who were both standout quarterbacks in their own right. After a brief stretch of uncertainty in the QB position, Will Howard has emerged as a steadying force for the program.

Howard was not initially expected to be the savior for Ohio State’s offense. The Buckeyes entered the 2025 season with high expectations for their young quarterback room, but the development of Howard from a backup to the centerpiece of their offense has been nothing short of remarkable. The 6’5″, 230-pound junior from Kansas City has quickly established himself as a leader in the locker room and a game-changer on the field. His play has been a key factor in Ohio State’s continued push for a playoff berth, and his ability to rise to the occasion under pressure makes him the ideal player to guide them toward a national championship.

The Evolution of Will Howard

Will Howard’s rise at Ohio State has not been a simple tale of natural ability. While his size and arm strength were always evident, it was his development in key areas of quarterback play that has made him the player he is today. The coaching staff at Ohio State, led by offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and head coach Ryan Day, deserves credit for nurturing Howard’s potential and allowing him to flourish.

When Howard first arrived at Ohio State, his mechanics were raw, and his decision-making needed refinement. Early on, he struggled with accuracy and consistency, often overthrowing receivers or getting stuck in the pocket under pressure. But through extensive coaching and hours of film study, Howard has become much more poised in the pocket, reading defenses with a level of maturity far beyond his years.

One of the most notable improvements in Howard’s game has been his ability to make quick decisions. Whether it’s reading defenses pre-snap or reacting to post-snap pressure, Howard has become adept at making the right decision in a split second. His quick release and ability to process the game at a fast pace have been key to Ohio State’s offensive success. While he is certainly capable of making explosive throws downfield, it is his understanding of when to take the checkdown or scramble for positive yardage that has made him so effective in big moments.

Howard’s poise and confidence have translated to his performance in high-pressure situations. In the regular season, Ohio State faced multiple ranked opponents who pushed them to the brink. Against Michigan, a traditional rivalry that has often been a stumbling block for the Buckeyes, Howard delivered a game-winning drive that sealed the victory. The same ability to stay calm in critical moments was evident in their Big Ten Championship game, where Howard threw for over 300 yards and led the team to a convincing win.

Leadership on and off the Field

While Will Howard’s on-field performance has been exceptional, his leadership and demeanor in the locker room have been equally crucial for Ohio State. Quarterbacks are often seen as the leaders of their teams, and Howard has quickly taken on that role. Despite joining a team full of established stars and high expectations, Howard’s work ethic and commitment to team success have earned him the respect of his teammates.

The Buckeyes have always prided themselves on being a brotherhood, with a culture that emphasizes accountability, trust, and unity. Howard, a quiet but effective leader, has embodied those values. He’s never been the loudest player in the room, but his approach to the game – methodical, focused, and competitive – has set a tone for the entire team. His teammates respect his ability to perform under pressure, and his humility has made him a favorite among the staff and the locker room.

Howard’s leadership extends beyond his relationship with his fellow offensive players. The Buckeyes’ defense, which has been stellar in 2025, has benefited from Howard’s ability to keep the offense on the field and put pressure on opposing defenses. The ability to control the clock and score when necessary has allowed the defense to rest and remain fresh throughout games.

A New Offensive Identity

Under Ryan Day, Ohio State has been known for its explosive offense, built around a potent passing game and a dynamic running back corps. With Will Howard at quarterback, the Buckeyes have evolved into a more balanced team, one that doesn’t rely solely on big plays. Howard has been effective at spreading the ball around, hitting his receivers with precision on short and intermediate routes, and utilizing the run game to keep defenses on their toes.

This balance has allowed Ohio State to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses and dictate the pace of games. It has also made the Buckeyes’ offense more difficult to defend. While Ohio State still has some of the most talented wide receivers in the country – including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka – the emergence of Howard has allowed the Buckeyes to operate with a more methodical approach, forcing defenses to account for both the passing and running games.

This offensive versatility will be critical as Ohio State makes its playoff push. Against teams with high-powered offenses, the ability to control the game through long, sustained drives will be a significant advantage. Will Howard’s ability to operate efficiently in these situations – coupled with Ohio State’s dynamic weapons – gives the Buckeyes a versatile offensive attack that can adapt to any opponent.

The Future of Ohio State’s Playoff Chances

As Ohio State enters the 2025 College Football Playoff, Will Howard’s leadership and playmaking ability will be at the forefront of their pursuit of another national title. The Buckeyes have a difficult road ahead, with potential matchups against top-tier teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan. But with Howard under center, they have the confidence that they can compete with anyone.

The key for Ohio State will be maintaining offensive balance and keeping the defense off the field. Howard’s ability to take what the defense gives him and avoid costly mistakes will be critical in close, high-stakes playoff games. Ohio State’s defense, led by their talented front seven and ball-hawking secondary, will be more than capable of containing opposing offenses, but it will be the Buckeyes’ offense – specifically Howard’s decision-making – that could ultimately determine their fate.

Howard’s experience and maturity, gained through his development at Ohio State, will be invaluable in the playoff environment. The Buckeyes are no strangers to the bright lights of postseason play, but with a young quarterback like Howard leading the charge, they also have someone who is unfazed by the pressure. Whether it’s in a high-scoring shootout or a defensive battle, Howard has shown that he has the ability to rise to the occasion and make the plays necessary for his team to win.