Ohio State’s Will Howard Makes Bold Claim Ahead of NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many college football players are looking to secure their place in the professional ranks. However, few have made as bold of a statement as Ohio State’s Will Howard, the standout quarterback whose future in the NFL seems to be on an upward trajectory. The 6’5”, 225-pound quarterback, who had a breakout season with the Buckeyes, recently made waves with a daring claim that has the entire football world talking.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Howard declared, “I’m the best quarterback in this draft class, and I’m going to prove it.” This statement, which some may view as arrogant, comes with a heavy dose of confidence. It sets the stage for a potentially transformative moment in his career. With a talent like Howard’s, it’s not just the words he says but the conviction behind them that has left an indelible impression on fans, scouts, and analysts alike.

The Journey to the Bold Claim

Will Howard’s road to college stardom wasn’t an easy one. Born and raised in Ohio, Howard grew up with football ingrained in his DNA. He was a standout high school quarterback, but his journey to Ohio State wasn’t a straightforward path. Howard initially enrolled at a smaller school, where he made his mark as a dual-threat quarterback. His impressive high school career quickly caught the attention of major programs, and ultimately, he transferred to Ohio State, joining one of the most storied football programs in NCAA history.

At Ohio State, Howard entered a competitive quarterback room, joining the likes of highly touted prospects and seasoned players. But rather than shy away from the pressure, Howard embraced the challenge. He spent his first year adjusting to the complexity of the offense under the guidance of Ohio State’s renowned coaching staff. The learning curve was steep, but Howard’s work ethic and determination stood out. By his sophomore year, he had secured the starting job and quickly made a name for himself.

In his first full season as the Buckeyes’ quarterback, Howard’s performances were a revelation. He displayed a blend of poise, arm strength, and intelligence that quickly captured the attention of NFL scouts. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure was reminiscent of some of the league’s top quarterbacks, and as the season progressed, it became evident that Howard was destined for big things.

The Bold Claim: Best Quarterback in the Draft?

As Howard’s draft stock has continued to rise, he’s become a highly debated prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. The draft class is packed with talented quarterbacks, but Howard’s recent statement about being the best has been met with mixed reactions. On the one hand, confidence is essential for a quarterback, especially one looking to succeed in the high-pressure world of the NFL. On the other hand, making such a bold claim in a class that includes other talented quarterbacks could be seen as overconfident or even presumptuous.

To understand why Howard is making such a bold claim, it’s important to evaluate his skill set and how it compares to other quarterbacks in the draft.

Strengths of Will Howard

1. Arm Strength and Accuracy: Howard’s arm strength is one of his standout attributes. He possesses the ability to throw deep passes with velocity, while also demonstrating remarkable accuracy on intermediate and short throws. This combination is a rare and valuable trait for an NFL quarterback, as it allows him to stretch the field while maintaining precision.
2. Football IQ: One of Howard’s most impressive attributes is his football intelligence. He has an innate ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions, something that has helped him excel in Ohio State’s high-paced offense. He is also adept at making adjustments at the line of scrimmage, a skill that will be crucial at the NFL level.
3. Mobility: While Howard isn’t necessarily a “dual-threat” quarterback in the same mold as Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray, he has good mobility and can extend plays with his legs. His ability to escape pressure and make plays on the move adds another layer to his game, giving him the versatility that NFL teams covet.
4. Leadership: Leadership qualities are often difficult to quantify, but Howard’s impact on his teammates is undeniable. Throughout his time at Ohio State, he has consistently shown that he can lead by example and maintain control of the huddle, even in high-pressure situations.

Comparing Howard to Other Quarterbacks in the Draft

While Howard is making a bold statement about being the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, he is entering a class that includes several highly regarded quarterbacks. Notable names include:

• Blake Smith (USC): Smith, often regarded as one of the top quarterbacks of the 2025 draft class, is known for his precision and calm under pressure. He’s a traditional pocket passer with excellent mechanics and a keen understanding of the game. While Smith’s accuracy is a major asset, some critics question his ability to consistently make deep throws under pressure.
• Marcus Griffin (Alabama): Griffin is an athletic quarterback with a strong arm and a rare combination of speed and power. His performance for Alabama has earned him comparisons to some of the top quarterbacks in recent history. However, his consistency, particularly with his accuracy and decision-making, has been called into question. Still, his potential is immense, and many teams view him as a high-risk, high-reward prospect.
• Luke Daniels (Clemson): Daniels has been a standout for Clemson, showcasing a remarkable ability to make all the throws necessary to succeed at the next level. While some consider his footwork and mechanics to be a bit inconsistent, Daniels’ raw talent has drawn comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks to enter the league.
• Isaiah Wallace (Georgia): Wallace has a cannon for an arm and an ideal physical frame for the NFL. While he’s still working on refining his touch and timing, his upside is undeniable. If he can smooth out the rough edges in his game, Wallace could be a game-changer at the NFL level.

Why Will Howard Believes He’s the Best

So why would Howard make such a bold claim in a class full of talented quarterbacks? The answer lies in his belief in his abilities and his desire to prove himself as the best. Howard is confident that his unique skill set — combining arm strength, football IQ, leadership, and mobility — makes him the most complete quarterback in the draft.

Additionally, Howard knows that success in the NFL often comes down to more than just raw talent. It’s about the mental and emotional strength to handle the pressure, and Howard has shown time and again that he has the maturity and resilience to succeed. He’s been through adversity during his college career, faced criticism, and come out stronger on the other side. That ability to overcome obstacles and thrive under pressure is a key factor in his belief that he’s the best quarterback in this draft class.

The Pressure of the Bold Claim

While Howard’s bold claim has drawn attention, it also brings a certain amount of pressure. In a draft class filled with top-tier talent, every decision made by NFL teams could be scrutinized in ways that impact a player’s career. The weight of being considered the top quarterback in the class could add additional expectations to Howard’s shoulders, and the pressure to deliver on such a statement could either drive him to greater heights or result in disappointment.

Nevertheless, Howard seems unfazed by this pressure. Throughout his college career, he’s shown an ability to handle high expectations with ease. The confidence that led him to make this bold claim is the same confidence that helped him lead Ohio State to victory in some of its most crucial games. It’s a mindset that has served him well thus far and will continue to shape his journey as he prepares for the NFL.

What’s Next for Will Howard?

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, Howard’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and individual team workouts will be critical in solidifying his claim as the best quarterback in the draft. While the boldness of his statement has caught the attention of the media, it will ultimately be his on-field performance that determines whether he can back up his words.

NFL teams will scrutinize every throw, every drill, and every interview. Howard’s maturity, his ability to handle pressure, and his leadership will all be tested. Whether or not he emerges as the top quarterback in the draft class is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: Howard is ready to embrace the challenge.

His bold claim might be just the beginning of what could be a remarkable career in the NFL. And as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Will Howard to see if he can truly live up to the lofty expectations he’s set for himself. Only time will tell if Howard’s self-confidence is backed up by the kind of performance that makes him the best quarterback of the 2025 draft class.