Ohio State is on the verge of disaster! Will Howard and Ryan Day were engaged in a collision with a golf cart.

Ohio State University’s football program has long been a dominant force in college football. Known for its elite recruiting, championship pedigree, and success in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes have been a perennial contender for national titles. However, as with any major program, the unexpected can occur at any time. Recently, Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, and quarterback Will Howard, have found themselves at the center of an unusual and concerning incident that could have serious ramifications for the team’s preparation heading into the 2025 season.
The collision between Ryan Day and Will Howard, both of whom are crucial to Ohio State’s success, during a routine golf cart ride has sent shockwaves through the football community. What was meant to be a minor and relatively benign activity became a situation that could have profound consequences for the team’s future. This collision has raised questions about the health of two key figures in Ohio State’s football program and what it means for their championship hopes.
In this article, we will examine the details surrounding this bizarre incident, its potential impact on Ohio State’s football program, and how this situation could affect the team’s 2025 season.
1. The Incident: How Did It Happen?
The incident took place during a typical offseason training day at Ohio State’s football facilities. The team’s head coach, Ryan Day, and transfer quarterback Will Howard were reportedly involved in a collision while riding in separate golf carts. According to initial reports, the collision occurred when the two carts unexpectedly converged on the same path. It’s unclear how the carts collided, but the results were concerning.
Will Howard, who transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State, had been expected to compete for the starting quarterback role in the 2025 season. His presence in Columbus was seen as a major boost to the Buckeyes’ depth at quarterback, which had been somewhat uncertain after the departure of previous starters. On the other hand, Ryan Day, who has led Ohio State to numerous victories and playoff appearances, is central to the team’s overall success. His leadership, strategy, and ability to develop talent have been pivotal in keeping Ohio State at the top of the college football hierarchy.
While details regarding the severity of the injuries sustained by both individuals have not been fully disclosed, it is known that the collision led to a significant delay in the team’s offseason workouts. Initial reports suggested that both Day and Howard experienced discomfort and required medical evaluation, but whether their injuries are long-term or short-term has not been clarified. The uncertainty surrounding the severity of the injuries has left Ohio State fans and the football community at large on edge.
2. Potential Impact on Ryan Day’s Leadership
Ryan Day’s role as Ohio State’s head coach cannot be overstated. Since taking over as head coach in 2018, Day has maintained Ohio State’s status as one of the nation’s elite programs. His offensive acumen and ability to recruit top-tier talent have been vital to the team’s success, including back-to-back Big Ten championships in 2020 and 2021 and multiple College Football Playoff appearances.
If Day is unable to fully recover from any injuries sustained in the collision, it could significantly impact the team’s preparations for the 2025 season. Day’s presence is central not only to Ohio State’s game planning and in-game decisions but also to the overall development of the team. His leadership in the locker room and on the practice field is something that cannot be easily replaced. Although Ohio State has an extensive coaching staff and athletic trainers, the absence of Ryan Day could create a leadership vacuum, particularly for a team with national title aspirations.
Moreover, Day has been a driving force in the development of Ohio State’s quarterbacks. His offense is designed to get the most out of his signal-callers, and Day’s absence could complicate the quarterback battle heading into the 2025 season. With several talented quarterbacks on the roster, including Howard, Day’s expertise in managing the quarterback position has been one of the hallmarks of Ohio State’s offensive success in recent years. The loss of his leadership in this area could lead to a delay in the team’s offensive development.
In the worst-case scenario, if Day’s recovery extends into the start of the 2025 season, Ohio State could be at a disadvantage in terms of leadership and game preparation. Although assistant coaches like offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles would step in to fill the void, Day’s influence and decision-making would be sorely missed.
3. Will Howard’s Role and Impact on the Quarterback Position
Will Howard’s arrival at Ohio State has created excitement among fans and analysts alike. Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, had a successful college career with the Wildcats and was expected to compete for the starting quarterback position in 2025. After the departure of C.J. Stroud to the NFL, Ohio State was left with an open competition at quarterback, with Howard and returning players like Kyle McCord and Devin Brown vying for the starting role.
Howard’s experience and skill set made him an ideal candidate to step in as the next leader of the Ohio State offense. His physical tools—size, arm strength, and mobility—fit well with the Buckeyes’ offensive system. Howard’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions in the pocket were key factors that led to his transfer to Ohio State. With head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson poised to mold him into a top-tier quarterback, Howard was primed for a breakout season.
However, the collision with Ryan Day raises questions about Howard’s ability to step into this role. The extent of any injuries he may have sustained during the collision remains unclear, but if he were to miss significant time due to injury, Ohio State would be forced to rely more heavily on quarterbacks like McCord or Brown. While both are highly touted recruits, they lack Howard’s experience and game-time reps, making it a more uncertain situation for Ohio State moving forward.
The quarterback position is the most critical position on the field, and Ohio State has traditionally relied on its quarterbacks to lead the offense to championships. If Howard’s injury forces him to miss any time, it could hinder Ohio State’s ability to develop a clear starting quarterback and affect the team’s offensive rhythm. Moreover, an extended absence could delay the team’s ability to build chemistry, which is vital for success, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the Big Ten and college football playoff race.
4. Impact on Ohio State’s 2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season is pivotal for Ohio State. While the program has continued to recruit top-tier talent and develop championship-caliber teams, the road to a national title is never easy, especially in a competitive Big Ten conference. The collision between Day and Howard has raised concerns about the team’s preparedness for the upcoming season, and the uncertainty surrounding the recovery of both key figures could have a ripple effect on the team’s performance.
Ohio State’s national title hopes in 2025 largely depend on the development of their offense, specifically at the quarterback position. The competition in the Big Ten is as fierce as ever, with teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin all positioning themselves as contenders for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Additionally, teams from other conferences, such as Georgia, Alabama, and Clemson, are always in the mix for national championships.
If Ryan Day and Will Howard are unable to return to full strength in time for the start of the 2025 season, Ohio State’s chances of competing for a national title could be significantly impacted. Day’s leadership is crucial to navigating the gauntlet of Big Ten games, and Howard’s ability to lead the offense will determine how explosive the Buckeyes can be on that side of the ball. A slow start to the season or the loss of key players could make it difficult for Ohio State to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
5. Looking Ahead: Recovery and Future Prospects
While the collision involving Ryan Day and Will Howard is certainly an alarming situation, there is reason to believe that both will recover in time to make an impact in the 2025 season. With Ohio State’s world-class medical staff and the competitive drive of both individuals, it’s likely that both Day and Howard will work diligently to get back to full health.
For Ryan Day, the team’s leadership and success will depend on how quickly he can regain his health and return to his role as head coach. If his recovery is swift, Day will likely continue to steer Ohio State toward another Big Ten title and potential CFP berth. For Will Howard, his recovery will be critical to Ohio State’s success at quarterback. If he can return to form, the Buckeyes’ offense will be in good hands.
In the meantime, Ohio State must continue to develop its roster, focus on player development, and ensure that the team remains prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. While the collision has raised concerns, it’s important to remember that Ohio State has the resources, depth, and coaching expertise to weather this setback and continue its pursuit of a national championship.