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Will Howard is the perfect quarterback for Ohio State

This article explores how Will Howard, Ohio State's transfer quarterback, has become the leader the Buckeyes need. It highlights his key performances, his connection with Buckeye Nation, and how he perfectly fits Ryan Day's vision for the team. Howard's leadership, resilience, and humility have turned skeptics into believers, making him the heart of Ohio State football.

By Jon Rhoades

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Ohio State won 38-15.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Ohio State won 38-15. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Will Howard’s journey to becoming the quarterback at Ohio State was far from conventional, but it seems that he was exactly what the Buckeyes needed. Transferring from Kansas State, rival fans mocked him as being the backup and losing his job to a freshman, saying he wasn't good enough, but Howard has taken command of Ohio State’s offense.

Fans, coaches, and teammates praise his leadership, toughness, and heart. He’s proven himself not only with his skills on the field but with his mental fortitude and team-first attitude, embodying the very spirit Ohio State looks for in a quarterback.

Stepping up in big moments

In the Buckeyes' recent game against Indiana, Howard put on another impressive performance, continuing to add to his growing legacy. He broke the Ohio State record for the most games with at least an 80% completion rate in a single season, hitting that mark for the sixth time.

When asked about this achievement, Howard’s response showed just how focused he is on the bigger picture: “That’s cool, man. But it really doesn’t mean much to me as long as we are winning games.” It’s this humility and commitment to the team’s success that makes him the ideal leader for this Ohio State squad.

Though the Indiana game wasn’t without its challenges—Howard threw another interception and led a drive that ended with a turnover on downs in the red zone—he never lost faith in his team. In fact, Howard's ability to see the game in its entirety shone through when he made a bold prediction to a teammate during the game: Caleb Downs, Ohio State’s dynamic punt returner, would seal the victory with a punt return touchdown.

A punt return touchdown is a feat no Ohio State player has accomplished since 2014 vs Indiana. And that’s exactly what happened, with Downs returning a punt to clinch the win for the Buckeyes. Howard’s vision and belief in his teammates continue to fuel Ohio State’s success this season.

The perfect fit for Ohio State

Head coach Ryan Day couldn’t have asked for a better quarterback to lead this team. Speaking about Howard, Day highlighted what sets him apart: “I think Buckeye nation has now seen after 11 games, this guy is a winner. He’s tough, he cares about his teammates, he’s a leader.”

Howard has shown resilience throughout the season, especially in difficult moments like the loss of a key leader, Seth McLaughlin, in practice. Instead of letting the team’s morale dip, Howard, along with leaders on the offensive line, rallied the squad and kept them focused on the goal. “He’s got great resilience, great toughness, he’s the heart and soul of our team,” Day said, summing up why Howard has been such an integral piece of this Buckeye team.

Ohio State fans have embraced Howard, and his emotional connection with Buckeye Nation is clear. After the Indiana game, Howard spoke about the pride he feels playing for Ohio State and being part of a program with such passionate support. “I’m just proud of this team, man. I’m proud of this University, I’m proud of Buckeye Nation for showing up and being loud and making an impact on the game,” Howard said, adding that the roar of Ohio Stadium was the loudest he had ever heard.

Leading Ohio State into the future

Will Howard’s combination of leadership, toughness, and football IQ makes him the ideal quarterback for Ohio State—not just for the players on the field, but for the coaches and fans alike. His ability to stay calm under pressure, his humility in the face of personal success, and his drive to lead the Buckeyes to victory have silenced any doubters who questioned whether a backup from Kansas State could lead a national powerhouse like Ohio State.

Howard’s prediction about Caleb Downs’ punt return showed a quarterback who understands not just the X’s and O’s, but the heartbeat of his team. He knows when and how his team will respond, and he pushes them to achieve their best. Whether it’s breaking records or simply making sure his team comes away with the win, Will Howard is proving, week after week, that he’s exactly the quarterback Ohio State needs right now.

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In the words of his coach, “He’s the heart and soul of our team.” And as the Buckeyes charge toward the postseason, it’s clear that Howard’s leadership will be key to their success.

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