Former Kansas State’s Will Howard Discloses Favorite Game in Ohio State Championship Run

Introduction: The Journey to the Championship

As the 2025 college football season looms large, many fans and analysts are eagerly looking back at the past to uncover defining moments that helped shape the college football landscape. One of the more interesting storylines surrounding this year’s national championship picture is the recent revelation from former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard. While his time with the Wildcats was filled with impressive performances and memorable victories, Howard recently disclosed his favorite game during a particular season when he was a critical part of a championship run — and it’s one that might surprise you.

Though Howard’s journey at Kansas State was an impactful one, the revelation about his favorite game takes a deeper dive into his admiration for Ohio State’s performance during their impressive championship run. A key player in his own right, Howard took the time to reflect on his favorite moments and games, highlighting how the Buckeyes’ ultimate championship run resonated with him on a personal level. In doing so, Howard paints a vivid picture of what it means to compete at the highest level in college football, especially for a player who knows what it’s like to face some of the most formidable programs in the sport.

Through Howard’s perspective, we get an inside look at the emotional highs and lows of championship football, and how the intense pressure of competing for a national title can create unforgettable moments — moments that define careers and legacies. For Ohio State fans, Howard’s candid disclosure offers a glimpse into the inner workings of one of college football’s most decorated programs, and it also serves as a reflection on what it truly means to be a part of something special.

Will Howard: A Rising Star with a Championship Mindset

Before delving into his favorite game from Ohio State’s championship run, it’s important to understand who Will Howard is and what made him such a valuable asset during his time at Kansas State.

Howard, a native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, was a three-star recruit who made an immediate impact when he took the reins at Kansas State. As a dual-threat quarterback, Howard combined excellent mobility with a strong arm, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His early years at Kansas State were marked by flashes of brilliance, including game-winning drives, highlight-reel touchdowns, and incredible comebacks that earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12.

As a leader, Howard was known for his ability to rally his team when the stakes were highest. His performances in pressure-packed situations were a testament to his maturity and ability to stay calm under fire. Over the course of his career, Howard became one of the faces of Kansas State football and left a lasting mark on the program. But as great as his time with the Wildcats was, Howard’s perspective on Ohio State’s national championship run offers a unique insight into the grind of college football — and what it takes to go the distance.

The Game that Stood Out: A Defining Moment in the Championship Journey

When Howard was asked about his favorite game during Ohio State’s championship run, his response was both surprising and insightful. While many might expect him to choose a game that was filled with dramatic plays or an iconic performance by one of Ohio State’s star players, Howard instead pointed to a game that was quieter, more subdued — but no less important.

“The game that stood out to me was Ohio State’s victory in the Big Ten Championship that year,” Howard shared. “It wasn’t a game that was filled with highlight-reel touchdowns or crazy comebacks, but it was a game where you really saw the team come together. It showed just how resilient they were. The way they handled adversity, especially in the second half, is something I’ll always remember. That’s where the championship mentality really showed.”

Ohio State’s 2025 Big Ten Championship victory was a pivotal moment in their journey to the College Football Playoff. It was a game that tested the team’s mettle and ability to perform under pressure. With a ticket to the playoff on the line, the Buckeyes found themselves locked in a defensive battle against a formidable opponent. While Ohio State’s offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders, it was their defense that stepped up and made key plays when it mattered most. The game wasn’t flashy or filled with offensive fireworks, but it was a testament to Ohio State’s depth, discipline, and ability to stay focused in high-pressure moments.

Howard’s admiration for the way Ohio State handled adversity in this game speaks to the qualities that make great teams successful. The championship mindset isn’t just about executing plays perfectly or having the best individual performances — it’s about finding ways to win when the game isn’t going according to plan. This is a mentality that Howard himself embraced during his time at Kansas State, and it’s clear that Ohio State’s approach to their championship journey resonated with him.

The Resilience and Leadership of Ohio State’s Quarterback

One of the key components of Ohio State’s success during their championship run was the leadership of their quarterback. This was a position that had long been a source of pride for the Buckeyes, with past quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins leading the team to success. The 2025 season saw another quarterback rise to the occasion and lead the team to greatness.

Though Will Howard wasn’t a direct rival to Ohio State’s quarterback, his perspective on what makes a championship-caliber signal-caller was invaluable. “What impressed me the most was how their quarterback handled the ups and downs,” Howard explained. “When things weren’t going well for the offense, he didn’t get rattled. He stayed in the game, stayed focused, and kept everyone on the same page. In a lot of ways, that leadership is what gets you through the tough moments — and that’s what really helped Ohio State push through to win the championship.”

Ohio State’s quarterback in 2025 displayed the kind of leadership that Howard himself had been known for at Kansas State. His calm demeanor and ability to stay focused under pressure were critical in keeping Ohio State’s championship hopes alive, especially in the moments where the offense faced adversity. Howard’s recognition of this quality in Ohio State’s quarterback only underscored the importance of strong leadership in high-stakes games.

The Role of the Defense in Ohio State’s Title Run

While much of the focus during Ohio State’s championship run was on the offense and the explosive plays that were made, Will Howard was quick to point out the critical role played by the Buckeyes’ defense. “I think people sometimes overlook just how good their defense was that year,” Howard said. “They played with so much intensity, especially in the postseason. They came up with key stops when the offense wasn’t able to score, and that’s what ultimately won them the title.”

Indeed, Ohio State’s defense was a major catalyst for their success in 2025. While the offense was high-powered and explosive, it was the defense’s ability to stop opposing offenses in critical moments that gave the Buckeyes the edge. Whether it was their ability to stop the run or force key turnovers, Ohio State’s defense was dominant, and it played a huge part in their national title run.

Howard’s recognition of the defense’s importance speaks to a broader understanding of what it takes to win a championship. Championship teams aren’t just built on offense or defense alone — they need to be well-rounded and execute in all phases of the game. Ohio State’s defense was a perfect example of this balance, and Howard’s admiration for their efforts serves as a reminder that success in college football is a collective effort.

The Mentality of a Champion: What Sets Ohio State Apart

When Will Howard reflected on Ohio State’s journey to the 2025 national championship, it became clear that the Buckeyes’ mentality set them apart from other teams in college football. Ohio State wasn’t just talented — they had the mindset of a champion.

“This team wasn’t just talented, they were mentally tough,” Howard said. “They had a belief in themselves and a belief in each other. Even when things weren’t going right, they didn’t panic. That kind of mental toughness is what separates championship teams from the rest.”

Howard’s perspective on the mental aspect of Ohio State’s success highlights a crucial element of what makes a team championship-ready. It’s not just about physical talent or the X’s and O’s — it’s about the mindset that drives a team to succeed when the pressure is at its highest. Ohio State’s ability to remain calm, focused, and confident in their ability to win when faced with adversity is what ultimately helped them claim their national title.

Conclusion: A Championship Team in Every Sense

Will Howard’s favorite game from Ohio State’s championship run may not have been the most flashy or action-packed, but it was a game that highlighted the key qualities of a championship team: resilience, leadership, and mental toughness. These are the traits that ultimately led Ohio State to the 2025 national championship, and they are the traits that Howard admires most in a football team.

Ohio State’s journey to the title was defined not only by their explosive offense but also by their ability to weather adversity and stay focused on the goal at hand. For Will Howard, who has experienced his own share of challenges in his career, Ohio State’s championship mindset serves as a model for what it takes to win at the highest level.

As the 2025 season draws closer, Ohio State’s players and fans will look back at their championship run with pride, knowing that they were part of a team that embodied the qualities of true champions. And for Will Howard, that recognition will remain a reminder of what it truly takes to rise to the occasion and claim greatness.