In a recent analysis, Jeremy Birmingham drew an intriguing comparison between Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and NFL star Joe Burrow. At first glance, this seems like a bold parallel to draw. Burrow’s 2019 season at LSU, capped by a national title and Heisman Trophy, was nothing short of legendary, with gaudy statistics to back it up.
Will Howard, however, is unlikely to put up those same kinds of numbers. Ohio State’s offensive system isn't designed for explosive, high-volume stats like Burrow had at LSU. As a result, Howard’s numbers won’t jump off the page in the same way, which may make it hard for some to see the comparison initially.
But Birmingham’s assessment goes beyond just the stats. He focuses on the subtleties of Howard’s game that mirror Burrow’s. Howard’s pocket presence, elusiveness under pressure, and calm demeanor are key similarities between the two quarterbacks.
Both Ohio State football players do a good job of extending plays
One of the most intriguing parallels is their ability to quickly move on from bad plays. Both Burrow and Howard show remarkable resilience after mistakes, never letting a single error define their performance. This leadership quality is crucial, especially at programs like the Ohio State football program, where the spotlight is always bright.
However, there is one key area where the comparison falls short—Howard makes more poor decisions than Burrow did. While Burrow had occasional mistakes, his ability to consistently make smart reads and avoid critical errors was one of his defining traits at LSU. Howard, while improving, still has moments where he misreads coverages or forces throws into risky situations.
Despite this, Birmingham’s comparison sheds light on Howard’s growth as a quarterback. While the stats may never match, Howard’s leadership, pocket movement, and ability to stay composed under pressure do bear a striking resemblance to Burrow.
As Howard continues to develop, the biggest similarity Buckeye fans will want to see is Will Howard hoisting up the national championship trophy at the end of the year.