Will Howard is an American football quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, having transferred from Kansas State in January 2024.
Born on September 24, 2001, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, he grew up in a sports-oriented family and excelled at Downingtown West High School.
During his time at Kansas State, he set school records with 48 touchdown passes and led the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022.
In the recent Rose Bowl, Howard threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a 41-21 victory over Oregon.
Parents
Will’s parents are Bob Howard and Maureen Howard.
Bob holds a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Villanova University and has worked as a vice president at Mellon Bank and M&T Bank.
He co-founded the Baby Merlin Company with Maureen, who graduated with a Master’s in physical therapy from Temple University and currently owns the Magic Sleepsuit.
They have been significant supporters of Will’s football journey, sharing the emotional ups and downs of his career.
Career
Howard began his college football journey at Kansas State, where he joined as a three-star recruit in 2020.
In his freshman season, he played sparingly, gaining valuable experience that would serve him well in subsequent years.
By his sophomore season in 2021, Howard became more involved in the offense and showcased his skills as both a passer and a runner.
He demonstrated his ability to lead the team during critical moments, setting the stage for his breakout year.
The 2022 season marked a significant turning point for Howard as he took over as the starting quarterback for Kansas State.
His leadership on the field was instrumental in leading the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship.
During this season, he threw for over 2,500 passing yards, recorded 15 touchdown passes, and maintained a completion rate of around 65%.
His standout performances included memorable games, such as the Big 12 Championship against TCU, where he played a pivotal role in securing the title.
In his senior season in 2023, Howard continued to excel, throwing for approximately 3,000 yards and achieving an impressive 33 touchdown passes.
His performance solidified his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in the conference, and he earned accolades such as Second-team All-Big.
Throughout this time, Howard also demonstrated strong leadership qualities both on and off the field.
In January 2024, Howard made the significant decision to transfer to Ohio State University.
This move was strategic for several reasons. Ohio State has a storied football program known for producing NFL talent, and Howard will be competing with other talented quarterbacks for the starting position.
The coaching staff at Ohio State is recognized for its ability to develop quarterbacks, which could enhance Howard’s skills as he prepares for professional opportunities.
Additionally, he is pursuing a master’s degree alongside his football career, reflecting his commitment to education and personal growth.
As Howard prepares for the next step in his career, he is expected to enter the NFL Draft after his time at Ohio State.
His draft prospects will largely depend on his performance during games and practices at Ohio State.
Participating in events like the scouting combine and pro day will allow scouts to evaluate his physical attributes, decision-making skills, and overall readiness for the NFL.
