Will Howard Leaves an Indelible Mark on Ohio State Football
In a single season, Will Howard etched his name in the annals of Ohio State football history, defying initial skepticism and emerging as one of the program’s all-time great quarterbacks. His transfer from the portal was met with moderate expectations, but Howard shattered those expectations, leading the Buckeyes to their ninth national championship.
Howard’s impressive campaign was marked by incredible consistency, completing 80% or more of his passes in half of his games, including two College Football Playoff matchups. His .730 completion percentage broke C.J. Stroud’s single-season school record, cementing his place alongside Ohio State’s quarterback legends.
With 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns, Howard’s statistics are staggering. He became just the third Ohio State quarterback to eclipse 4,000 yards in a season, trailing only Dwayne Haskins and Stroud. His yards per game average of 250.6 ranks eighth in school history, while his quarterback rating of 175.25 is third all-time.
Howard’s remarkable season was not without its challenges. He had to quickly adapt to Ohio State’s offense and develop chemistry with his teammates, including standout receivers Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate. His ability to read defenses and deliver accurate passes was crucial to the team’s success.
Despite his impressive performance, Howard often flew under the radar, overshadowed by more highly touted quarterbacks. However, his on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, earning him a place among Ohio State’s all-time greats.
In just one year, Howard created a lasting legacy at Ohio State, joining the likes of Haskins, Stroud, and Justin Fields as quarterbacks who have left an indelible mark on the program. His success serves as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to thrive under pressure.
As Howard departs Ohio State, his impact will be felt for years to come. He has set a new standard for quarterback excellence, inspiring future generations of Buckeye signal-callers. Despite his relatively short tenure, Howard’s name will forever be etched in Ohio State football lore.
