When talking about Will Howard of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Pat McAfee was frank about his performance and prospects.

Pat McAfee is known for his unfiltered commentary and bold opinions, often stirring up conversation in the world of sports media. When McAfee speaks, people listen, whether it’s a passionate rant or a straightforward analysis. Recently, McAfee made headlines with his candid thoughts on Will Howard, the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. As Ohio State continues its push for national prominence, McAfee’s frank assessment of Howard’s performance and prospects has sparked discussions among fans, analysts, and even the Buckeyes themselves.

Pat McAfee’s Approach to Sports Commentary

Before delving into McAfee’s commentary on Will Howard, it’s important to understand McAfee’s style as a broadcaster and commentator. Known for his unapologetic and sometimes brash style, McAfee rose to prominence as a former punter in the NFL before transitioning to sports media. His show, “The Pat McAfee Show,” is a hub for both sports talk and entertainment, with McAfee offering candid takes on various topics, often with a mix of humor and sharp criticism.

McAfee’s approach to commentary often focuses on being straightforward and honest. His ability to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter makes his analysis impactful. McAfee’s personality has led him to develop a large following, as fans appreciate his no-holds-barred approach to discussing everything from the NFL to college sports.

McAfee’s frankness isn’t always appreciated by everyone, but his authenticity has made him a trusted voice in sports media. So when McAfee decided to weigh in on Will Howard’s performance for Ohio State, people knew they would get an honest and unfiltered opinion.

The Context: Ohio State Buckeyes Football

Ohio State has long been one of the premier programs in college football. Historically, the Buckeyes have consistently been in the conversation for national titles, boasting one of the most talented rosters in the country year after year. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have continued their dominance, although there have been periods of underperformance, particularly in crucial games against top-ranked teams.

Quarterback play has always been a focal point for Ohio State. The program has produced top-tier quarterbacks over the years, including Heisman winners like Troy Smith, along with players like Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields, who went on to play at the highest levels of professional football. Following Fields’ departure, Ohio State faced the task of finding a new leader at the quarterback position.

Will Howard, a player with significant potential, was thrust into the spotlight as one of the candidates to lead the Buckeyes in 2025 and beyond. Howard, a dual-threat quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance, but his consistency and ability to handle the pressure of being Ohio State’s starting quarterback have been the subject of much debate. Given Ohio State’s national aspirations and the high expectations surrounding the program, Howard’s development as a quarterback will be critical for the team’s success moving forward.

Pat McAfee’s Take on Will Howard

When McAfee took to the airwaves to discuss Howard, his thoughts were blunt and to the point. McAfee, known for his willingness to speak his mind, did not mince words when analyzing Howard’s performances. He discussed both the strengths and weaknesses in Howard’s game, but it was clear that McAfee had serious concerns about whether Howard was truly ready to lead Ohio State to its full potential.

“Look, Will Howard is a talented kid,” McAfee said on his show. “But there are some things he’s got to work on if Ohio State wants to get back to competing for national championships. The Buckeyes aren’t going to make it just on raw talent. They need consistent play at the quarterback position.”

McAfee’s commentary centered on Howard’s inconsistency, particularly in big moments. While Howard had shown flashes of brilliance with his arm strength and ability to extend plays with his legs, McAfee noted that his decision-making under pressure seemed to falter at times.

“He has the physical tools, but the mental side of the game has been a bit shaky,” McAfee continued. “You watch him in big moments, and sometimes he seems to make the wrong read or hold onto the ball too long. In a program like Ohio State, that’s not something you can afford to do.”

McAfee also brought up Howard’s struggles in high-pressure situations, something that could be a significant hurdle for the young quarterback moving forward. Ohio State’s schedule is filled with daunting challenges, including perennial powerhouses like Michigan, Penn State, and the rest of the Big Ten. McAfee pointed out that in these types of games, Howard would need to prove he could perform at the highest level if Ohio State was to reach its goals.

McAfee’s Call for Improvement

Despite his concerns, McAfee wasn’t all negative about Howard’s prospects. He acknowledged that Howard still had time to develop, and with the right coaching and experience, he could mature into a top-tier quarterback. McAfee emphasized that the key for Howard would be his ability to refine his decision-making and gain more confidence in high-pressure situations.

“There’s no doubt he has the talent,” McAfee said. “But he’s got to clean up the little mistakes. He can’t afford to let those mental lapses happen in big games. Ohio State’s not in a position to let a quarterback grow through those mistakes in real time. They need him to be sharp, especially if they’re going to make a playoff run.”

McAfee’s call for improvement wasn’t just about Howard’s play on the field. He also highlighted the importance of leadership, something that Ohio State needs at the quarterback position. As a leader of the offense, Howard would need to command respect from his teammates and consistently make the right decisions both on and off the field.

“Leadership is key,” McAfee stated. “If you’re the guy at quarterback, you’ve got to step up. You’ve got to be the one who rallies your team in the locker room and on the field. That’s something that’s not always easy to teach, but it’s something Will Howard needs to figure out sooner rather than later.”

Will Howard’s Response to the Criticism

As expected, McAfee’s comments did not go unnoticed. Howard, like any competitor, was likely aware of the scrutiny surrounding his performance. Quarterbacks, especially at a program like Ohio State, often face immense pressure to live up to expectations, and McAfee’s critique only added to that weight.

In interviews following McAfee’s comments, Howard took a mature approach to the criticism. He acknowledged that he had room for improvement but emphasized that he was committed to getting better. Howard recognized that his development as a quarterback would be critical for Ohio State’s success, and he was focused on making the necessary adjustments.

“I understand the expectations, and I know I’ve got a lot to prove,” Howard said. “Pat’s right—I need to be more consistent, especially in big moments. I’m going to work hard to improve that part of my game. I’ve got great coaches around me, and I trust that with their guidance and my effort, I’ll get where I need to be.”

Howard’s response reflected a level of maturity and self-awareness that is often rare in young quarterbacks. He acknowledged his weaknesses while also expressing confidence that he could overcome them. His willingness to accept constructive criticism and take responsibility for his play could go a long way in helping him develop into the leader Ohio State needs.

The Big Picture: Will Howard’s Future at Ohio State

McAfee’s criticism of Will Howard certainly raised some eyebrows, but it also highlighted a critical aspect of Ohio State’s future. As a program, Ohio State has the resources, coaching staff, and talent around Howard to support his growth. But the Buckeyes also need consistent, high-level quarterback play to contend for national championships, and Howard is expected to be the one to provide that leadership.

It’s clear that Howard’s performance in 2025 will be a defining factor for the Buckeyes. Whether he can rise to the occasion and silence critics like McAfee will depend on his ability to refine his game, become a more consistent decision-maker, and prove he can perform in high-pressure situations.

As Ohio State fans and analysts alike continue to debate Howard’s future, one thing is certain: McAfee’s comments have added fuel to the fire, and the spotlight on Howard will only intensify as the 2025 season approaches. If Howard can prove McAfee—and others who are skeptical—wrong, he could cement himself as the leader of a Buckeyes team that has championship aspirations. If not, Ohio State may find themselves searching for answers at the quarterback position once again.

Either way, McAfee’s remarks have sparked an important conversation about Will Howard’s potential, and it’s a conversation that will continue until he proves himself on the field.