The Ohio State football team was hoping to have improved quarterback play in 2024 from where it was in 2023. Kyle McCord wasn't terrible, but he didn't make the winning plays that the Buckeyes needed. That was evident in the loss to Michigan, which was their only regular-season loss.
After the 2023 season ended, McCord transferred to Syracuse, and the Buckeyes decided to bring in Will Howard from Kansas State. While Howard wasn't the sexiest quarterback in the transfer portal, he ended up being the correct one. He helped lead the Buckeyes to a national title.
Howard's numbers were pretty good in the regular season, but Howard really elevated his play during the College Football Playoff. He's getting some buzz around NFL circles that his value might be higher than people think. In fact, he's got an outside shot to be a first-round pick.
Making the case for Ohio State football player Will Howard to be a first-round pick
While Howard played his best with the Ohio State Buckeyes, he has two and a half years of starting tape at Kansas State, too. This past season, he was really unlocked. He finished the year with 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions through the air. On the ground, he had 226 yards and seven touchdowns. His play really ramped up during the four-game CFP run.
In those four games, Howard had 1,150 yards passing, eight touchdowns, and just two picks. He also had 95 yards rushing. Howard completed 75.2% of his passes in that run. Quite frankly, he was able to lift Ohio State's offense from great to elite.
That's exactly what he plans to do at the NFL level. He was making throws into tight windows during the Texas game. He dropped it in the bucket to Emeka Egbuka on his long touchdown during the Oregon game. His leadership is also what helped drive the offense.
Howard is going to be loved in his interviews at the Combine. The question is whether or not someone would love him enough to take him at the end of the first round. It's a long shot, but not out of the question.