Pat McAfee Doesn’t Hold Back About Ohio State Buckeyes’ Will Howard
When it comes to candid commentary on college football, few figures have garnered the attention and influence of Pat McAfee. The former West Virginia punter-turned-media personality is known for his unfiltered opinions and colorful takes on the game. His irreverent style and willingness to speak his mind have made him a beloved figure for fans and a feared voice for athletes. So when McAfee began to weigh in on Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback Will Howard, people were ready to listen.
McAfee, who rose to fame as a fan favorite on his daily podcast and appearances on sports networks, hasn’t been one to shy away from discussing the game’s most talked-about players, and Howard was no exception. Ohio State, with its long and storied history, has consistently been a powerhouse in college football. The Buckeyes have often been a benchmark for excellence in the Big Ten and the nation as a whole. With expectations sky-high in Columbus, McAfee’s assessment of Will Howard became a hot topic that fans across the country eagerly awaited.
For McAfee, who is no stranger to navigating high-pressure situations on the field, his insights into Howard’s game were based on more than just stats. In a recent segment on his podcast, McAfee didn’t mince words when it came to Ohio State’s potential quarterback. With the Buckeyes aiming for another College Football Playoff (CFP) berth and a possible national championship, all eyes were on Howard, who had recently taken on a much larger role within the offense.
Will Howard’s Journey to Ohio State
Before delving into McAfee’s perspective, it’s important to understand who Will Howard is and why his rise to prominence in Ohio State football is such a compelling story. Born and raised in the heart of the football-rich state of Ohio, Howard was an outstanding quarterback prospect out of high school. With an impressive arm and a rare blend of athleticism and vision, Howard quickly emerged as one of the top recruits in the country. However, what set him apart wasn’t just his physical tools—it was his mentality and football IQ.
Howard’s decision to join Ohio State was a natural fit given the program’s reputation for developing quarterbacks and competing for national titles. The Buckeyes, who had previously been led by stars like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and Cardale Jones, were on the hunt for a quarterback who could sustain the program’s elite status in the Big Ten and on the national stage. Howard, as a highly touted recruit, appeared to be the perfect candidate to step into that role.
However, Howard’s transition to the starting role at Ohio State wasn’t without challenges. Like many young quarterbacks, he had to learn how to thrive in the high-pressure environment of one of college football’s most intense programs. In his first year, Howard faced stiff competition from other quarterbacks in the program, and many wondered if he would be able to handle the expectations that came with playing for the Buckeyes. As it turned out, he quickly adapted, showing flashes of brilliance early in his career.
By the time he was ready to assume the full-time starting role, Howard had proven he could handle the weight of the position. His ability to lead a high-powered offense with dynamic wide receivers, a powerful running game, and a stout offensive line made him a perfect fit for Ohio State’s system. The Buckeyes’ offense, under head coach Ryan Day, has traditionally been one of the most explosive in the country, and Howard was tasked with continuing that tradition.
McAfee’s Early Take on Howard
McAfee didn’t take long to make his thoughts on Howard clear. In a recent episode of his podcast, McAfee was asked about the Ohio State quarterback, and his response was both revealing and brutally honest.
“Look, I’ve watched Will Howard for a couple of years now, and you can see the talent. The guy’s got a big arm. He can make all the throws—he’s the kind of quarterback you want on your team if you’re trying to win a national championship,” McAfee began. “But here’s the thing—he’s got to prove he can take that next step. Ohio State fans expect greatness. They don’t just want a good quarterback—they want a guy who can lead them to Atlanta in January and hoist that national title.”
McAfee’s frank assessment wasn’t meant as an indictment of Howard’s ability. Rather, it was a recognition of the stakes that Howard faces as the face of Ohio State’s program. The expectations for a quarterback in Columbus are enormous, and McAfee was quick to emphasize that while Howard had the potential, he would have to deliver when it mattered most.
“What separates the great quarterbacks from the good ones is how they perform in those huge games,” McAfee continued. “Can Will Howard show up in the Big Ten Championship? Can he go toe-to-toe with the best defenses in the country, like Georgia, Alabama, or Clemson? Because that’s what it’s all about. Can he stay cool under pressure and lead the Buckeyes to the promised land? If he can, Ohio State will be a force to be reckoned with.”
The Pressure of Playing for Ohio State
One of the most striking aspects of McAfee’s comments was his acknowledgment of the immense pressure that comes with playing for a program like Ohio State. The Buckeyes are consistently in the national title hunt, and anything less than a College Football Playoff berth is seen as a disappointment. The weight of the program’s history, the passionate fanbase, and the expectations of the coaching staff create a high-stakes environment for any player, let alone a quarterback.
Ohio State’s history at quarterback is littered with high-profile names, and the players who come after them are often held to impossibly high standards. The expectations for Howard were no different. Fans and analysts alike expect him to lead the team with poise, confidence, and accuracy, especially in the biggest moments. For McAfee, it was clear that Howard had the tools but would need to prove himself in crucial moments to truly cement his place as one of Ohio State’s great quarterbacks.
“Let’s be real here. Ohio State doesn’t need a game manager. They need a guy who can put the team on his back when the pressure’s on,” McAfee said. “Will Howard has all the physical talent in the world. He’s got the size, the arm, and the accuracy. But does he have the mental toughness to go toe-to-toe with the best? We’re going to find out this season.”
Howard’s Leadership and Poise
One area where McAfee was particularly complimentary of Howard was his leadership. Despite the pressure of playing for such a high-profile program, Howard had shown remarkable poise on and off the field. McAfee highlighted the quarterback’s ability to remain calm under pressure, something that would be vital as the season went on.
“You look at how Howard handles the pressure—he’s not rattled. That’s huge when you’re playing in the Big Ten, with all those rivalries and high-stakes games,” McAfee explained. “He’s got the kind of mentality that can win you big games. But now it’s about doing it consistently.”
Howard’s leadership on the field was also underscored by McAfee’s belief in the supporting cast around him. With a strong receiving corps that includes playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr., the offensive weapons at Howard’s disposal would only make him more dangerous. McAfee believed that this synergy could propel Ohio State to new heights, assuming Howard could harness the talent surrounding him and maintain control when it counted.
The Final Verdict: Can Howard Deliver?
Ultimately, McAfee’s take on Will Howard wasn’t just about praise or criticism. It was a challenge to Howard to rise to the occasion and prove that he could handle the pressure and expectations that come with being the starting quarterback at one of the most successful programs in the country.
“Will Howard’s got the talent. We know that. Ohio State fans know that. But he has to deliver when it counts,” McAfee concluded. “If he can do that, the Buckeyes are going to be a tough team to beat. But if he can’t, well, that’s when the pressure gets unbearable.”
McAfee’s comments were a reminder that, at a program like Ohio State, there is no middle ground for quarterbacks. They are either legends or they are forgotten. Will Howard’s journey is one that will be defined by his ability to live up to the immense expectations of playing for a program like Ohio State. For now, McAfee’s take provides a refreshing and honest evaluation of Howard’s potential, leaving Ohio State fans eagerly awaiting what the future holds for their quarterback.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Howard. The challenges are immense, but so too is the opportunity for greatness. Will McAfee’s words prove prophetic, or will Howard exceed expectations and become the next Ohio State legend? Only time will tell.
