Title: A Quarterback’s Perspective: Howard Critiques Ohio State’s Football Legacy

Ohio State University has long been a powerhouse in college football. From legendary coaches like Woody Hayes to star players like Archie Griffin and Eddie George, the program has become synonymous with success. But, for all its history and tradition, not every player has walked away from the program with glowing praise. Howard, a recent quarterback for the Buckeyes, has stepped forward to voice his concerns about what he sees as critical issues within the team’s culture, coaching style, and overall direction. His criticisms have raised eyebrows in the world of college football, and in this piece, we’ll explore his perspectives on what’s wrong with Ohio State football in the modern era.

I. Ohio State’s Historic Legacy: A Double-Edged Sword

Ohio State’s football program is one of the most prestigious in the country. With eight national championships and numerous conference titles under its belt, it has become a model of excellence. However, for players like Howard, this historic success can sometimes feel like a weight rather than an advantage.

“You feel the pressure from day one,” Howard says. “It’s not just about playing well—it’s about living up to a legacy. Ohio State doesn’t just expect winning, they expect perfection. It’s hard when you’re just trying to develop as a player and as a person.”

For Howard, the burden of the program’s storied history often detracts from the experience of being a college athlete. The constant comparisons to past quarterbacks like Troy Smith or Justin Fields create an environment where every misstep is magnified, and the emotional toll of that pressure cannot be understated.

The legacy of Ohio State football, while a source of pride, can be overwhelming for players who might prefer to define their own path, free from the shadows of greatness that loom large over the program.

II. The Coaching Dynamic: More About the System Than the Players

While Ohio State’s coaches have had considerable success, Howard is quick to point out that the coaching system can sometimes prioritize the program’s overall success over the needs of individual players.

“There’s a huge difference between being coached to play in a system versus being coached to become a better player. Some coaches just want to win, but they don’t always understand what it takes to develop you as a quarterback.”

Howard recalls moments during his time with the Buckeyes when the coaching staff seemed more focused on game-day execution than on refining skills or fostering long-term development. While the pressure to win is an unavoidable aspect of college football, Howard feels that Ohio State could place a stronger emphasis on player growth, particularly in the quarterback room.

“There’s so much emphasis on getting the play call right and executing the system, but not enough on learning how to be a better decision-maker, how to read defenses, and how to adjust under pressure.”

As a quarterback, Howard believes that these subtle aspects of his position weren’t always given the attention they deserved. While Ohio State is known for producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, he feels that the process could be more individualized, giving players the space to develop their unique playing styles rather than adhering strictly to the team’s system.

III. The Role of Media and Public Expectations

One of the most significant challenges Howard highlights is the intense media scrutiny that comes with being a quarterback at Ohio State. The Buckeyes are one of the most followed programs in the nation, and every move a player makes is scrutinized by fans, analysts, and reporters alike.

“You can’t make a mistake without it becoming a headline. That’s a tough environment for a young player, especially when you’re still learning the ropes. The media talks about you like you’re already an NFL star, but you’re still just a kid trying to figure it out.”

Howard remembers times when minor setbacks—like an interception or an underwhelming performance—were blown out of proportion. For him, the relentless cycle of praise and criticism took a toll on his mental health. In an era where social media amplifies every word and action, Ohio State quarterbacks are under a microscope like few others in college sports.

He acknowledges that this attention is part of the package when playing for a program like Ohio State, but he wishes there was more space for players to be imperfect without facing instant backlash. In his eyes, the intense media pressure can sometimes overshadow the game itself, turning the sport into more of a spectacle than a team-oriented pursuit.

IV. Player Treatment and the Business of College Football

While Howard respects the tradition of Ohio State’s football program, he has strong opinions about the current state of college football as a business. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, high-profile recruits, and multimillion-dollar television contracts, Howard feels that players often find themselves caught in a system that prioritizes profits over personal growth.

“At the end of the day, college football is a business. The university makes millions off the program, the coaches get paid well, and the players get…well, less than they deserve.”

Howard points out the glaring inequality in compensation between the individuals who bring in the money (the players) and the ones who benefit from it (the coaches and the administration). While NIL deals have somewhat addressed these concerns, Howard believes that Ohio State, like many other programs, still lacks a clear, fair structure for ensuring that players are adequately supported.

“We’re getting paid in exposure, and that’s about it. But at some point, that exposure isn’t enough. When you’re putting your body on the line every weekend and enduring the mental stress, you need more than just the promise of the NFL to make it worth your while.”

For Howard, the system feels like it’s built to exploit college athletes, particularly those in high-profile programs like Ohio State. He feels that college football should place more emphasis on player well-being and provide athletes with more opportunities to succeed beyond the sport.

V. The Pressure of Winning at All Costs

Ohio State is one of the most successful programs in college football, and with success comes high expectations. Howard feels that this pressure is magnified to an unhealthy degree within the Buckeye program.

“There’s a mentality at Ohio State that you’re not just expected to win—you’re expected to dominate. Every time you step onto that field, it feels like it’s a make-or-break moment. The pressure to win national championships, conference titles, and rival games becomes overwhelming.”

Howard’s criticism isn’t just about the pressure to win, but about the toxic culture that can arise from it. The coaching staff, media, and fans all contribute to an environment that can sometimes feel like failure isn’t an option. Howard believes that this culture is not conducive to long-term player development or mental health, and that it’s a significant flaw in the system.

“What people don’t understand is that when you’re under that kind of pressure, you start to lose sight of why you’re playing the game in the first place. It becomes about checking boxes—win this game, win that trophy—rather than developing as a player and growing as a person.”

Conclusion: A Call for Change in the Modern College Football Landscape

Howard’s criticism of Ohio State’s football program isn’t about disrespecting the tradition or the history—it’s about calling for a shift in how players are treated, developed, and supported. In an era where college football is increasingly big business, it’s crucial that programs like Ohio State begin to reevaluate the pressure they place on players, especially quarterbacks who are often seen as the face of the team.

“I love Ohio State. I’ll always be grateful for my time there. But I think it’s time for programs like this to recognize that the game is changing. We need to put more focus on developing players as whole people, not just as pieces in a system designed to win games. It’s time to give players the space to grow and the support to thrive, both on and off the field.”

For Howard, the future of college football lies in embracing the complexities of being a student-athlete, where the focus isn’t just on winning championships, but on cultivating a culture that values personal growth, well-being, and long-term success.

This critique serves as both a reflection on Ohio State’s football culture and a call for change in the broader landscape of college football, encouraging a shift toward a more player-centric approach in a sport that continues to evolve rapidly.

If you’d like me to expand on any specific section or refine certain ideas, feel free to let me know! This could be further developed into a more detailed 2,000-word piece as well.