For years, Ohio State’s trophy cabinet seemed just out of reach, despite a carousel of talented quarterbacks like Kyle McCord, CJ Stroud, and Justin Fields. Something was missing, that final piece of the puzzle under Coach Day’s guidance. Then came the call, a transfer from Kansas State, and just like that, Will Howard stepped into the Buckeyes’ huddle. His mission was singular—bring a national championship back to Columbus after a decade-long wait. Fast forward to today, with the NFL Draft looming, mission accomplished doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Sure, he might not possess the dazzling highlight reel of a Cam Ward or the undeniable swagger of a Shedeur Sanders. What Howard brings to the table is tangible, something you can polish and put on display: a championship trophy. While the draft buzz often revolves around the flash and the hype, Howard is quietly confident, even bold. He’s not just another prospect; in his own words, he believes he’s the best quarterback in this entire draft class. It’s a statement that might raise a few eyebrows, especially when names like Ward and Sanders dominate the conversation. But Howard isn’t throwing shade; he’s laying down a marker, ready to articulate exactly why he holds this conviction.

Appearing on NFL on ESPN just yesterday, April 11th, Howard wasn’t backing down from his self-assessment. He exuded a quiet confidence, a steely resolve that felt earned, not manufactured. There was no arrogance, just a firm belief in his abilities and what he’s accomplished. “First and foremost, man, I think, you know, if you don’t have that belief in yourself, then what are you doing? So, you know, I’m a confident guy. I feel like you have to have that intrinsic confidence in yourself. You know, I believe that I have the arm strength, I believe I have the accuracy—all the physical traits. But I think really what sets me apart is my mind, my ability to, you know, to deal with adversity,” stated the OSU QB.

But that’s not all. The standout QB leaned into his story of adversity, stating, “I’ve seen pretty much every situation that a college quarterback could see in my, you know, 40-some-odd starts.” And he’s not wrong. Howard was even benched during his time at Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State—a humbling chapter that shaped him. Yet he never backed down. “I’ve played a lot of football. I’ve seen a lot of stuff. Not a lot fazes me,” stated Howard. And now? He’s sharper than ever. “I’m an elite processor. You know, I feel like my ability to assess what the defense is doing and what we’re doing, you know, to combat that, you know, I think that’s what really sets me—sets me apart.” 

Will Howard’s 2024 numbers were eye-popping—4,010 yards, 35 TDs, just 10 picks. On top of that, he delivered in the biggest moments, guiding OSU to a national title with poise and power. However, pressure? He ate it up. And through it all, Howard remained humble. Grateful. Ready for whatever came next. But now? The draft buzz has cooled, and the spotlight has shifted. The OSU QB, once riding high, learns a grim NFL fate—waiting longer than expected for his name to be called.

According to TheAthleticHQ, Will Howard might have to wait a couple of days before he hears his name at the 2025 NFL Draft. The buzz is that he has landed in the third tier of quarterbacks in this class. And the reason? Inconsistency. Despite the tools and the tape, scouts are still split. Some see a gem, while others see a gamble. Honestly, it’s a wait-and-see for Howard right now, with a big chip on his shoulder to prove the doubters wrong.

So, Howard torched the stats in ’24, no doubt. But not every scout is convinced. Questions about his arm strength continue to swirl. Some say he doesn’t have that top-tier zip needed to hit tight NFL windows, especially on deep outs and throws over the middle. And the concerns grew louder after the NFL Combine, where he missed the mark on a few deep balls. One scout even questioned if he has the juice to make every NFL throw. Chris Trapasso didn’t mince words, pointing out his size (6 foot 4) as a plus but then dropping the bomb: “lowest vertical and broad of the tiny collection of quarterbacks”—we’re talking a 31.5″ vertical and a 9’4″ broad jump. Trapasso added it got “ugly” during throwing drills, with throws missing high and behind. Still, there’s hope….

With the right system and coaching, Howard’s raw tools could turn into something special. No doubt, the talent’s there—it just needs polishing. But just as the OSU QB’s NFL fate started to take shape, a $7.8B team’s update dropped.

Is Will Howard a draft sleeper?

Tim May joined Baskin and Ruiter to break down the upcoming NFL Draft—and while plenty of Buckeyes are in the spotlight, one name keeps flying under the radar: Will Howard. But don’t count him out. His poise in the pocket and sharp football IQ caught the attention of none other than Jon Gruden.

“I love it,” said the former Super Bowl champ, eyes lighting up. Interestingly, Gruden even drew a bold comparison—Josh Allen. Yes, the build, the mobility, and the toughness. It’s all there. Allen slid to No. 7 after being hyped as a top pick for a long time. Well, Howard’s looking at an even bigger slide. Day 2? Maybe Day 3? But wherever he lands, he’s bringing that same chip on his shoulder.

With NFL teams spinning the quarterback carousel, the Raiders were on the hunt for a solid backup to Geno Smith, and the Steelers were also sniffing around for more depth. Guess who popped up on their radar? Yep, Will Howard. But it looks like the deep-pocketed $7.8 billion Raiders might’ve pumped the brakes. While they rolled out the welcome mat for Jalen Milroe and North Dakota State’s Cam Miller for those official 30 visits, Howard’s Vegas trip is officially off the books. Just like that, one potential landing spot slams shut. So now the big question is: which team’s going to pick up the phone next?

But don’t worry, Will Howard brings something rare to the table—big game experience and big-time poise. He’s battle-tested, with a national title under his belt. No other QB in this draft class can say that. As Jon Gruden pointed out, it’s not just the wins—it’s the way he’s wired. On top of that, Howard’s not just a pocket passer with size and skill. He’s sharp in the film room, real with his process, and doesn’t fake a thing. So, wherever the 23-year-old lands, he’ll be one of the most prepared guys in the building.