Will Howard: From Kansas State to Ohio State and the Road to the National Championship

Will Howard’s rise as a college football quarterback has been nothing short of remarkable. Born on September 24, 2001, Howard began his college football career at Kansas State before making a high-profile transfer to Ohio State in 2024. By the time the 2025 season concluded, Howard had led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff National Championship, marking a monumental achievement in his career. His journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-competitive world of college football.

Early Life and High School Career

Will Howard’s story begins in the small town of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, where he was born and raised. His love for football developed at an early age. Howard was a standout quarterback at Council Rock High School North, where his natural athleticism and leadership on the field quickly garnered attention. During his high school years, Howard displayed an impressive combination of size, arm strength, and mobility. By his senior year, he had become one of the top quarterback prospects in the state of Pennsylvania.

At Council Rock North, Howard was known for his strong arm, quick decision-making, and the ability to read defenses with uncanny accuracy for his age. His performance on the field helped elevate his team to numerous victories, and he was named the team’s MVP multiple times throughout his high school career. By the time he graduated, Howard had accumulated several accolades, including First-Team All-County and All-Conference honors, and was ranked as a four-star recruit by various recruiting services.

Howard’s high school success attracted the attention of major college football programs across the country. After weighing his options, he ultimately committed to Kansas State University, a school known for producing talented quarterbacks and developing them into future professionals.

College Career at Kansas State

Howard arrived at Kansas State in 2019, where he was initially expected to be a backup quarterback. However, he quickly made an impression with his intelligence and work ethic. His early years in Manhattan, Kansas, saw him develop under the tutelage of head coach Chris Klieman, who had a track record of helping quarterbacks succeed at the collegiate level. Howard’s ability to absorb the playbook, combined with his physical gifts, earned him more playing time as his freshman year progressed.

In his freshman season, Howard saw limited action, but he flashed his potential in brief stints as a backup. He appeared in several games, gaining experience and preparing himself for a more prominent role in the future. Despite playing behind senior quarterbacks, Howard’s arm strength and ability to make throws in tight windows were evident, and it was clear that he had the talent to be a starting quarterback in the Big 12.

The 2020 season marked Howard’s first real opportunity to start for the Wildcats. Kansas State faced a difficult schedule in the Big 12, but Howard’s development continued, and he earned the starting role by midseason. He led the Wildcats to several notable victories, including a win over TCU in which Howard passed for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. While the team experienced some growing pains as they adapted to the young quarterback, Howard’s leadership on the field and his ability to bounce back from adversity were on full display.

In the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Howard took his game to another level. He became one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12, showcasing his ability to make all the throws while also improving his mobility. Under Howard’s leadership, Kansas State became a contender in the conference. In 2022, he had one of his best seasons, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. His performance helped Kansas State secure a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game, a significant achievement for the program.

However, despite his individual success, Howard and the Wildcats fell short of reaching the College Football Playoff, often facing competition from more powerful teams like Oklahoma and Texas. It became clear that Howard was ready for a new challenge, one that would give him the best chance to reach the pinnacle of college football. This desire for a fresh opportunity ultimately led to his decision to transfer.

Transfer to Ohio State and a New Beginning

In 2024, after three successful seasons at Kansas State, Will Howard decided to enter the transfer portal. His decision was influenced by the desire to play for a program with a more established football culture, a program that consistently competed for national championships. Ohio State, a powerhouse in the Big Ten and one of the most successful programs in college football history, was an obvious destination.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, known for his offensive brilliance and ability to develop quarterbacks, welcomed Howard with open arms. The Buckeyes were coming off a strong 2023 season, but they needed a quarterback who could bring experience and a high ceiling to the team. Howard’s skill set aligned perfectly with what Day was looking for in a signal caller. The Buckeyes were coming off a tough loss in the College Football Playoff, and Howard was viewed as the missing piece that could elevate the team to a national title.

The transition to Ohio State was not without its challenges. Howard had to quickly learn a new offensive system, build chemistry with his new teammates, and adjust to the pressures of playing at one of the most scrutinized programs in the country. However, his previous experience as a starting quarterback in the Big 12 gave him the confidence and maturity needed to handle the transition.

By the start of the 2024 season, Howard was the clear starter for the Buckeyes. His arrival immediately made Ohio State a stronger contender in the national title race. Howard’s blend of arm strength, mobility, and decision-making was an ideal fit for Day’s high-powered offense, which relied on spreading the field and creating big plays through the air. Throughout the 2024 regular season, Howard demonstrated his ability to lead the Buckeyes to dominant victories. His precision passing, paired with a dangerous receiving corps featuring Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, made Ohio State’s offense one of the most explosive in the nation.

The Buckeyes breezed through the Big Ten, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record. Howard had a standout season, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns, earning him a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. His connection with his receivers was undeniable, and his leadership in the locker room was equally impressive. Ohio State’s offense was clicking on all cylinders, and Howard was at the helm, orchestrating everything with precision.

The 2025 College Football Playoff

As the top-ranked team in the country, Ohio State earned a spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff. Howard’s performance in the regular season had solidified his reputation as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and the Buckeyes were poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.

In the first round, Ohio State faced a formidable opponent in the form of the Alabama Crimson Tide. The game was a classic matchup between two college football powerhouses, but Howard’s poise under pressure was evident. He threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a convincing 38-20 victory. Howard’s ability to perform in big moments was a clear indicator that he was ready for the biggest stage in college football.

The national semifinals pitted Ohio State against the Georgia Bulldogs, the defending national champions. It was a battle of two top-tier teams, but Howard once again rose to the occasion. Despite facing a stout Georgia defense, Howard threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to a thrilling 45-42 victory. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions in crucial moments helped Ohio State secure a spot in the national championship game.

National Championship Game: A Historic Victory

On January 10, 2025, Will Howard and the Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against the undefeated Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. It was a high-stakes matchup that featured two teams with explosive offenses and elite defenses. The game lived up to its billing, as both teams traded blows throughout the night.

In the first half, Clemson took an early lead, with their dynamic offense giving Ohio State’s defense fits. However, Howard remained calm and composed, refusing to let the game get out of hand. In the second half, he found his rhythm, connecting with Marvin Harrison Jr. for two critical touchdowns. Howard’s ability to deliver the ball accurately under pressure allowed Ohio State to reclaim the lead late in the game.

With less than a minute left on the clock, and Ohio State up by three, Clemson had one final chance to drive down the field and win the game. But Howard’s leadership extended beyond just his offensive play. His presence on the sideline, encouraging his defense and keeping the team focused, played a crucial role in Ohio State’s victory. Clemson’s final drive ended with a turnover on downs, sealing the Buckeyes’ 31-28 victory and giving Ohio State their first national championship since 2014.

Will Howard was named the game’s MVP after throwing for 350 yards and three touchdowns. His performance in the national championship game solidified his place in Ohio State history and cemented his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.

Looking to the Future

Will Howard’s victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship capped off a remarkable journey from Kansas State to Ohio State. He had gone from a talented but unheralded freshman to a national champion and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football. With his combination of leadership, skill, and determination, Howard is set to leave an indelible mark on the sport.

As he looks ahead to his future, there’s little doubt that Will Howard has the talent to continue his football journey at the next level. Whether in the NFL or beyond, Howard’s rise to prominence is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. But for now, Will Howard can savor the glory of being a national champion and reflecting on a college football career that has inspired countless fans and aspiring quarterbacks alike.