Ryan Day has made it official: Will Howard is Ohio State’s QB1 entering the 2024 season.

Day made the announcement at a Thursday press conference.

“Will has really taken command of the offense,” Day told reporters. “You feel him in the huddle.”

A transfer from Kansas State, Howard joined the Buckeyes ahead of spring. Howard spent the past four seasons at Kansas State, making 34 appearances (28 starts).

Howard threw 24 touchdown passes in 2023, tying a single-season record and giving him the program’s new career record of 48. Overall, he was 219-of-357 passing (61.3% complete) for 2,643 yards.

The veteran QB left KSU fourth in career completions (458), fifth in passing yards (5,786), attempts (779) and total offense per game (197.3), sixth in passing yards per game (170.2) and seventh in passing efficiency (135.1).

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Howard looks to be a dual-threat in Chip Kelly’s OSU offense. Kelly boasted that Howard is the fastest QB on the team, clocking at 22.1 mph. At KSU, Howard logged 921 career rushing yards with 19 TDs.

Since Howard announced his transfer commitment to use his “COVID year” of extra eligibility at Ohio State, he has been the presumptive Buckeye starter. He faced plenty of competition, however, for the starting job.

OSU boasts a deep QB room for 2024. Junior Devin Brown competed with Kyle McCord for the starting job last season and has made 8 appearances for the Buckeyes. Lincoln Kienholz, a former 4-star recruit, is in his second year with the program.

Day added a pair of top 2024 prospects to the room. Julian Sayin was rated 5-stars and the No. 1 quarterback on the 247Sports Composite. He signed at Alabama, but transferred after Nick Saban’s retirement. Air Noland, rated the No. 4 QB and No. 56 recruit overall, also signed with the Buckeyes.

Day indicated that Brown is QB2 as the Buckeyes get ready to kick off the 2024 season.

Ohio State hosts Akron in Week 1. The game is set for 3:30 p.m. on CBS.