What Shedeur Sanders Said in Defense of Ohio State Football’s Will Howard: A Closer Look

In the ever-competitive world of college football, players are frequently thrust into the spotlight, not only for their on-field accomplishments but also for the expectations that come with their performances. Recently, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard found himself under scrutiny from fans, analysts, and critics alike after a series of performances that sparked debate about his role in the Buckeyes’ offense. As opinions began to divide, an unlikely voice emerged in defense of Howard: Shedeur Sanders, the star quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Shedeur Sanders, a player who has quickly become a household name in college football, particularly after his impressive performances in the 2025 season, offered a nuanced perspective on Will Howard and his journey as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. While some critics were quick to point out Howard’s flaws, Sanders took a different approach, offering insight into the challenges of being a quarterback in the high-pressure world of college football.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the statements made by Shedeur Sanders, why he chose to defend Will Howard, and what this defense says about the culture of college football in 2025. We will also explore Howard’s performance, Sanders’ perspective, and the larger implications for Ohio State and the broader college football landscape.

Shedeur Sanders: A Glimpse into His Own Journey

Before diving into what Shedeur Sanders said about Will Howard, it’s essential to understand Sanders’ own journey as a quarterback. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and carve out his own legacy in football. He has done just that at Colorado, becoming one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the nation. Sanders’ rise to prominence came not only through his physical abilities but also through his ability to handle the immense pressure of playing under a national spotlight.

As a freshman, Sanders made an immediate impact at Colorado, leading the Buffaloes to several key victories and gaining recognition for his poise, leadership, and football IQ. Despite his success, Sanders faced criticism and skepticism about whether he could maintain his level of play under such a large microscope. He was often compared to his father’s legendary career, but he never let the pressure affect his performance.

With this background, Sanders’ defense of Will Howard carries weight. Sanders understands the scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile quarterback and has witnessed firsthand how it can affect a player’s confidence and performance. His perspective is shaped by his own experiences in college football, and it is this understanding that led him to defend Howard in the face of criticism.

The Criticism of Will Howard

To understand why Sanders’ defense of Will Howard is so significant, we must first explore the criticism that Howard has faced.

Will Howard, a promising quarterback for Ohio State, entered the 2025 season with high expectations. Known for his strong arm and ability to make plays in both the passing and running game, Howard was poised to lead the Buckeyes’ offense to new heights. However, despite flashes of brilliance, Howard’s performances have been inconsistent, particularly in high-stakes games.

The most significant source of criticism has come after Ohio State’s losses in key matchups, where Howard struggled to execute the offense to the level expected of him. In games where Ohio State was expected to dominate, Howard made mistakes that turned the tide of the game. Critics pointed to his decision-making, occasional inaccuracies, and inability to lead the team to victory in clutch situations. These performances led to questions about whether Howard could truly live up to the hype and fill the shoes of previous Ohio State quarterbacks who had succeeded in leading the team to national prominence.

Fans and pundits began to call for a change at quarterback, with some arguing that Howard’s struggles in critical games were a sign that Ohio State needed a different approach. With Ohio State’s championship aspirations on the line, these concerns seemed amplified, and Howard found himself at the center of the storm.

Shedeur Sanders’ Defense: A Voice of Experience

In the midst of the growing criticism of Will Howard, Shedeur Sanders stepped in with a powerful defense of the Ohio State quarterback. In an interview following a game where Howard had faced significant scrutiny, Sanders made it clear that he understood the challenges Howard was facing and that critics were being unfair in their evaluation of the young signal-caller.

“People don’t understand how tough it is to be a quarterback at a program like Ohio State,” Sanders said. “The expectations are sky-high, and every mistake is magnified. It’s not just about the stats or the wins; it’s about how you handle the pressure and how you keep grinding. I’ve been there, and I know how it feels when people start questioning your abilities.”

Sanders went on to explain that Howard was facing a different level of scrutiny than most quarterbacks in the country. At a school like Ohio State, the pressure is immense, and every game is a potential make-or-break moment. Sanders acknowledged that Howard’s performance might not have been perfect, but he emphasized that quarterbacks at this level often need time to adjust and grow into their role.

“Look, I’ve had games where I didn’t play my best, and I got blasted for it. But that’s part of the process,” Sanders continued. “You can’t expect every quarterback to come in and light it up right away. It takes time, and sometimes you need to have those tough moments to grow and improve.”

A Deeper Understanding of the Quarterback Position

In his defense of Howard, Sanders spoke with an awareness of the unique pressures that come with being a quarterback at a powerhouse program like Ohio State. He emphasized that quarterbacks are often judged not just on their performance, but on the expectations placed upon them, which can be overwhelming.

“There’s a difference between having a bad game and being a bad player,” Sanders explained. “People look at the scoreboard and see a loss and automatically think that you’re the reason why. But there are so many other factors involved. A quarterback is only as good as the players around him and the coaching he’s receiving.”

This sentiment resonates with many quarterbacks who have been in similar situations. At a program like Ohio State, where the spotlight is always on, it’s easy for a player like Howard to become the scapegoat when things don’t go as planned. But Sanders argues that this kind of judgment is shortsighted and fails to consider the complexity of the quarterback position.

Sanders also highlighted Howard’s physical gifts, noting that he had the talent to succeed at Ohio State but needed to develop consistency and confidence in himself. “Will has the tools. I’ve seen him make all the throws. It’s about putting it all together, and that’s something every quarterback goes through. It’s a mental game just as much as it is a physical one.”

The Impact of Sanders’ Defense on Will Howard

Shedeur Sanders’ words not only served as a defense of Will Howard but also as a reminder of the challenges faced by young quarterbacks in college football. Howard’s struggles were not unique; many quarterbacks have faced similar adversity, and it is often in those tough times that they grow the most.

For Howard, Sanders’ words may have provided a sense of validation. Knowing that a quarterback of Sanders’ caliber understands the pressures of the position and is willing to speak out in support could be a confidence booster for Howard. It reinforces the idea that the path to greatness is rarely linear, and setbacks are part of the journey.

Howard, who has already shown flashes of brilliance in his time at Ohio State, will need to take Sanders’ advice to heart. The key will be for Howard to remain mentally tough and not allow the external criticism to derail his growth. With the support of his teammates, coaches, and perhaps even other players like Sanders, Howard has the potential to develop into a more consistent and impactful leader for Ohio State in the postseason.

The Bigger Picture: A Lesson in Perspective

Shedeur Sanders’ defense of Will Howard is not just about one player; it’s about a larger conversation in college football. As Sanders pointed out, quarterbacks are under constant scrutiny, and it’s easy for people to lose perspective on what it takes to succeed at such a high level. In today’s world of instant analysis and social media, a single misstep can send a player’s reputation into a tailspin. Sanders’ defense of Howard serves as a reminder that every player deserves a fair shot and that their journey should be seen in a broader context.

Sanders himself is no stranger to the pressure of being a high-profile quarterback, and his willingness to speak out for a fellow quarterback speaks to the camaraderie that exists between athletes at this level. His defense of Howard is an example of how players can support each other, even across team lines, and help foster a culture of understanding and respect in college football.

The Impact of Shedeur Sanders’ Words

Shedeur Sanders’ defense of Ohio State’s Will Howard carries significant weight, not just for Howard, but for the broader landscape of college football. Sanders’ experience and insight provide a unique perspective on the challenges faced by quarterbacks in the spotlight, reminding fans and analysts alike that success doesn’t happen overnight. The road to greatness is filled with bumps, but it’s how a player responds to those challenges that defines their legacy.

For Will Howard, Sanders’ words may serve as a turning point. Armed with a renewed sense of confidence and a deeper understanding of the journey ahead, Howard will need to continue to grow as a player and a leader. As Ohio State enters the postseason, Howard’s ability to rise above the criticism and perform at his best will determine how far the Buckeyes can go. But with the support of voices like Shedeur Sanders, Howard has the opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to lead his team to greatness.