When it comes to big-time rivalries, quarterback Will Howard knows what they mean when the Ohio State Buckeyes take the field. The one with Michigan is one of the best not just in the country, but across the planet. Well, what about the one with Penn State?
If you ask Nittany Lions fans, the showdowns with Ohio State brings a different kind of mentality to the field. If you ask Howard, though, he doesn't see the Nittany Lions as a main rival for his Buckeyes? Yup, that's exactly the case and plenty of Penn State supporters aren't too happy about things:
Is Penn State a rival for Ohio State? Will Howard says no. https://t.co/5oBhj7C2Qh pic.twitter.com/dVwrLLnhKI
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) May 8, 2025
Ohio State national champ Will Howard doesn't see Penn State as a main rival
Tell us how you really feel, Will. Hey, it's hard to argue with what Howard had to say, as the Buckeyes have dominated Penn State and Franklin in recent years. Just how bad have things been for the Nittany Lions of late against OSU?
Franklin is 1-11 against Ohio State, which is a huge issue for him. The same can't be said for Ryan Day and Ohio State, as they've been enjoying things whenever they go up against PSU. People will be quick to bring up the four-game losing streak to Michigan, but that's a different story.
Ohio State has also dominated things since 2000, which can't be forgotten. Whenever the Buckeyes meet the Wolverines, the meeting is filled with drama. The same can be said about a dance with Penn State, but people don't quite get as amped up for that matchup in the same way they do for one with Michigan.
Things might change a bit this fall now that Jim Knowles has left Columbus to take over as the new defensive coordinator for Penn State, with some parting shots at the Buckeyes being recorded. This has led to a lot of people in Columbus circling Nov. 1 on their calendars, but they've surely got the contest vs. Michigan in mind as a way bigger priority.