Will Howard commits to Ohio State, explains decision
Will Howard is heading to Ohio State, giving Ryan Day a veteran quarterback to work with entering 2024!
Howard spent 4 seasons as a contributor at Kansas State, finishing the 2023 season with a career-high completion percentage (61.3%) and delivering 24 touchdowns, 2,643 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns.
A veteran starter with a dual-threat skill set gives Day a piece to work with after the departure of Kyle McCord:
Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard tells ESPN that he’s committed to Ohio State. Howard led KState to the Big 12 title in 2022 and gives the Buckeyes one of the most talented and experienced available QBs on the market. pic.twitter.com/GusFCGGtxO
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 4, 2024
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Howard said things “kind of lined up” when he had discussions with the Buckeyes. The QB also said Ohio State fit the “list of things I was looking for.”
Thamel reports Day’s staff evaluated all of the best portal QBs but have “conviction” that Howard was the best of the group. Howard’s experience, arm strength and dual-threat ability are what drew the Buckeyes.
The Ohio State staff evaluated all of the top portal quarterbacks and arrived with conviction that Howard was the best among them, as they valued his arm strength, experience and dual-threat ability.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 4, 2024
Saturday Tradition previously had Howard as the No. 2 QB option available for Ohio State in the portal, behind only former Washington State QB Cam Ward. With Ward’s decision to head to the NFL Draft, landing Howard should be viewed as a major win for Day heading into a crucial 2024 season.
Many hoped Devin Brown would cement his status as a potential starter for the program during the Cotton Bowl, but an early injury derailed that opportunity. Lincoln Kienholz finished the game but struggled in his first extensive playing time.
Now, Ohio State can lean on Howard’s experience while developing 5-star signee Air Noland and Brown.