Will Howard has been balling out for Ohio State this season. However, the star quarterback knows the ultimate success of the season hinges on next week’s rivalry and the postseason down the road.

While going 10-1 so far this season, Howard has been among the most efficient passers in the country. He kept his strong play going in the big win over Indiana, accounting for 3 total touchdowns while completing more than 80% of his passes yet again.

Now, his attention is firmly on Michigan, just like the rest of the program. After the game, Howard admitted he has witnessed The Game from afar but being part of it is different.

In fact, Howard says he wants to win next Saturday for Ohio State’s veterans and head coach Ryan Day, a group that has endured 3 straight losses to TTUN:

“I want this for (the veterans) so bad. They’ve been here. I’ve seen it from a distance. I feel it, and I am a part of it now, and I want this for me, too, but I want this for those guys,” said Howard.

“I want it for Coach Day — to shut up the haters and be able to go out there and say, ‘This is The Ohio State Buckeyes,'” he continued. “This rivalry game means everything. We talk about it all the time. It’s all over the place in our building. I’m honored to be a part of it. I won’t take it lightly. This is the biggest game of our season. I’m looking forward to it.”

It’s safe to say that is the kind of mentality fans want to see from the QB who is in his first and only season at Ohio State. The Game might be new for Howard, but he’s ready to give it his all to right the ship and end the skid vs. the Wolverines.

Next week’s game is set for FOX’s Big Noon time slot. A win would also put Ohio State back in the B1G Championship Game for the first time since 2020.