Will Howard: From Kansas State to Ohio State — A Journey to Championship Glory

Early Life and High School Career

Will Howard was born on September 24, 2001, in the United States. Growing up, he was always immersed in sports, a passion that ran through his family’s veins. Will’s athletic abilities were apparent early on, and as he reached high school, it became clear that football would be his true calling. Standing tall and carrying himself with the poise of a seasoned player, Howard quickly became one of the top quarterbacks in his class. His high school career at Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School in Ohio earned him local recognition as well as the attention of top college football programs.

During his high school years, Will Howard showed impressive skills as a dual-threat quarterback. He could throw the ball with precision, making deep throws with ease, but he was also nimble enough to evade pressure and run when needed. He finished his high school career with remarkable stats, including over 3,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, while also contributing to the running game with several rushing scores. His leadership on the field and ability to execute under pressure caught the eyes of college scouts nationwide.

Commitment to Kansas State

In 2019, after much anticipation and numerous offers from top-tier programs, Will Howard chose to commit to Kansas State University. The decision was seen as an exciting opportunity for Howard to compete at the next level, and Kansas State’s quarterback room seemed to be a fitting place for his development.

Howard’s freshman year at Kansas State was a blend of learning and adapting. In his first season, he got limited playing time behind an experienced quarterback. However, when he was called upon, Howard exhibited his potential. In limited action, he demonstrated a solid understanding of the game, composure in the pocket, and a strong arm. The Wildcats showed flashes of promise in their offense, and Howard’s future appeared bright.

In his sophomore year, Howard was thrust into a starting role after the incumbent starter suffered an injury. He responded by leading Kansas State to several important wins, solidifying his position as the Wildcats’ starting quarterback. Howard played with a toughness and grit that endeared him to the Kansas State fanbase. His sophomore campaign saw him throw for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, despite the team’s successes, Kansas State’s season ended in disappointment, missing out on a major bowl game.

While Howard showed promise, the lack of consistency in his play and Kansas State’s struggles to reach the upper echelons of college football ultimately led Howard to consider his future. The Wildcats were a solid program, but Howard felt that in order to compete for a national championship, he needed to elevate his game and take his talents to a new stage.

Transfer to Ohio State

In the offseason following Kansas State’s disappointing finish, rumors began to swirl about Will Howard’s future. The young quarterback was becoming disillusioned with the lack of championship contention at Kansas State. Several top-tier programs were interested in Howard, including some of the most prestigious teams in college football.

In early 2024, Howard made the monumental decision to transfer to The Ohio State University, one of the perennial powerhouses of college football. This was a move that would reshape the trajectory of his career. Ohio State, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, had been a consistent contender for national championships and had produced some of the most dynamic quarterbacks in recent memory. Howard’s decision to transfer to Ohio State was both a bold and ambitious step, signaling his desire to compete at the highest level.

Ohio State’s quarterback room was packed with talent, including rising star Kyle McCord, who had led the Buckeyes the previous season. Howard’s arrival was met with skepticism by some, who questioned whether he could unseat McCord as the starter. However, Howard’s confidence, experience, and the potential he had shown at Kansas State made him a serious contender for the starting position.

The Road to Ohio State’s National Championship

Howard’s journey to winning the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship with Ohio State was not a straight path. In his first season with the Buckeyes, Howard had to battle for the starting job. McCord, a highly touted prospect, was the favorite to take the snaps under center. However, Howard’s work ethic, leadership, and physical tools quickly made an impression on the coaching staff and teammates alike.

As the 2024 season wore on, McCord struggled with some inconsistencies in his play, and Howard seized the opportunity. He earned the starting job midway through the season and did not look back. By the time the College Football Playoff began, Howard had proven that he was one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country.

Howard’s first College Football Playoff appearance came in 2024, but Ohio State fell short in the semifinals, losing to the eventual champions. Despite the heartbreak, Howard’s performance was impressive enough to solidify his standing as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Heading into the 2025 season, Howard was determined to lead Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football: the National Championship.

The 2025 season was one for the ages. Ohio State breezed through the regular season with a perfect record, thanks to Howard’s leadership and stellar play. He finished the regular season with 4,200 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, earning him a spot in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Howard’s ability to read defenses, his pinpoint accuracy, and his poise in crucial moments made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation.

As the Buckeyes advanced to the playoffs, they faced formidable opponents, including perennial powerhouse Alabama in the semifinals. Howard, in a masterful performance, threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns in a thrilling victory, leading Ohio State to a hard-fought 38-35 win over the Crimson Tide.

In the National Championship game, Ohio State found themselves facing off against the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs, a team known for its suffocating defense and explosive offense. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows and momentum shifts. In the final minutes, with Ohio State trailing by three points, Howard orchestrated a game-winning drive, showcasing his elite arm strength and clutch ability. He capped the drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr., securing a 31-28 victory and Ohio State’s first National Championship in several years.

Legacy and Future

Will Howard’s triumph in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship marked the pinnacle of his college football career. His ability to step up in big moments, lead his team to victory, and win the national title solidified his legacy at Ohio State. His success was also a testament to his resilience — from a transfer student battling for a starting position to the man who brought Ohio State its most coveted title.

As Howard prepares for his future, the NFL looms large. His performance during the National Championship game only enhanced his draft stock, and scouts were eager to see how his talents would translate to the professional level. While there were still questions about his long-term future in the NFL, Howard’s ability to perform under pressure and his leadership on the field made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

For Ohio State, the legacy of Will Howard is a tale of perseverance, growth, and achievement. His decision to transfer from Kansas State to Ohio State was pivotal not only for his career but also for the Buckeyes’ national championship aspirations. Howard’s journey from a promising yet unproven quarterback to a College Football Playoff National Champion is a story that will be remembered for generations, and his place in Ohio State lore is now cemented forever.