Will Howard, a former K-State quarterback, assists in luring Ohio State transfers.
Will Howard, Former K-State Quarterback, Assists in Luring Ohio State Transfers
In a major development that has caught the attention of college football fans across the country, Will Howard, the former quarterback for Kansas State University (K-State), has played a pivotal role in recruiting Ohio State transfers. While Howard himself is no longer a part of the K-State program, his influence within the college football landscape has allowed him to make an impact at other institutions, particularly in helping to facilitate the movement of key players from Ohio State to his current program.
The transfer portal has significantly altered the landscape of college football over the past few years, offering student-athletes the chance to transfer freely between programs. The increase in player movement has led to new opportunities for athletes, coaches, and even former players like Will Howard, who have found ways to use their connections and influence to shape the rosters of their respective teams.
In this article, we will delve into how Will Howard, a former K-State standout quarterback, has managed to leverage his experiences, connections, and understanding of the transfer process to help lure Ohio State transfers to his new program. We’ll explore the dynamics of the transfer portal, Howard’s relationship with Ohio State, and what this means for the future of college football and both K-State and Ohio State programs.
Will Howard’s Rise at Kansas State
Before he became a key figure in helping to recruit Ohio State transfers, Will Howard first earned recognition for his role as the starting quarterback for Kansas State. After serving as a backup for several seasons, Howard was thrust into the starting role during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. His strong performances as a dual-threat quarterback with solid passing accuracy and impressive mobility on the ground helped elevate K-State to new heights.
During his time at Kansas State, Howard displayed a combination of poise, leadership, and playmaking ability, which earned him praise from coaches, teammates, and analysts alike. He was widely regarded as a player who had the potential to lead the Wildcats to major success, and his ability to read defenses, avoid pressure, and make key throws made him one of the standout quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference.
In 2022, Howard’s leadership on the field helped Kansas State secure an important Big 12 Championship victory, a major accomplishment for a program that had long struggled to compete at the top levels of the conference. The Wildcats defeated TCU in a thrilling matchup, with Howard’s calm and collected presence under pressure being a critical factor in the win.
Despite his success at K-State, Howard made the decision to transfer to a new program following the 2022 season. His decision to move on from the Wildcats marked a major turning point in his career, but it also opened the door for him to help reshape the future of college football by playing a role in the transfer process.
The Transfer Portal and Its Impact on College Football
The NCAA Transfer Portal was introduced in 2018 to allow student-athletes more freedom in their decision-making and to give them the ability to explore options at other institutions without the constraints of having to sit out a season (with some exceptions). The portal quickly gained traction, and by 2020, it had become a crucial aspect of college football’s recruiting landscape.
In the past, players who wished to transfer had to petition for a release from their current programs, often facing obstacles from coaches and athletic departments. Now, however, the portal allows players to enter their names and immediately explore opportunities at other schools, creating a more open and transparent system. While it offers players more freedom, it has also introduced a new set of challenges for coaching staffs, as they must manage roster changes and adapt to the influx of transfers.
Ohio State, one of the most storied programs in college football, has seen a number of high-profile transfers in recent years, with players moving both in and out of the program. The Buckeyes have a history of attracting top-tier recruits, and as a result, they often have a surplus of talent at various positions. For some players, this leads to the decision to transfer in search of more playing time or a better fit within a different system.
On the flip side, Ohio State has also attracted transfers from other schools looking for an opportunity to play for a championship-caliber program. The combination of the program’s historical success, strong recruiting efforts, and the allure of competing for a CFP berth makes Ohio State a desirable destination for transfers.
It is within this context that Will Howard has stepped in to facilitate the movement of Ohio State players, using his experience and connections to shape his new team’s roster.
Will Howard’s Role in Luring Ohio State Transfers
After transferring from Kansas State, Will Howard joined a new program, and it wasn’t long before he recognized the opportunity to use his influence to assist in recruiting. With his understanding of how the transfer portal works, coupled with his experience as a highly sought-after recruit himself, Howard quickly realized that he could play a significant role in helping to bring Ohio State transfers to his new team.
Howard had already established relationships with several players from Ohio State, having crossed paths with them during his time in college football. The connections he made during the 2023 season and beyond allowed him to serve as a bridge between the Buckeyes and his new program.
One of the most important factors in the transfer portal process is the personal relationships that players share with others in the college football community. Howard, having experienced the pressures and challenges of being a college athlete, understands how important it is for players to find the right fit in terms of team culture, playing time, and overall development. By helping players from Ohio State find new homes, Howard has played an essential role in smoothing the transfer process.
Several key Ohio State transfers in recent months have attributed their decision to transfer to Howard’s role in reaching out and offering advice. These players saw Howard as someone who understood their struggles and aspirations, and they trusted him to help them navigate the transfer process. Howard has been instrumental in helping them make informed decisions, both on and off the field.
Why Ohio State Players Are Looking to Transfer
Ohio State is a perennial powerhouse in college football, but the program’s depth at various positions has led to a situation where some talented players have had difficulty securing starting roles. The high level of competition for playing time at Ohio State, particularly in the skill positions, means that some players may decide to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Several reasons have contributed to the increasing number of Ohio State transfers in recent years:
- Depth at Key Positions: Ohio State consistently attracts top-tier recruits, and the depth at certain positions—such as wide receiver, quarterback, and defensive back—can make it difficult for players to secure starting roles. For example, Ohio State has one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the country, making it challenging for incoming players to see the field early in their careers.
- Playing Time: Many players are eager to play as much as possible, especially those who hope to eventually play in the NFL. When players find themselves buried on the depth chart, they may decide that transferring to another program with more immediate playing time opportunities is in their best interest.
- System Fit: Each coach has their own style and philosophy, and sometimes players find that their skills or playing style don’t align with the system in place at their current school. Transferring allows these players to find a program where they feel they can thrive and develop their skills further.
- Competition for Championships: Ohio State is always in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot, which can lead to heightened internal competition for starting roles. Some players may decide to transfer to other programs where they feel they can contribute immediately and help their new team compete for a championship.
- Personal and Academic Factors: College athletes also face personal and academic challenges during their time at university. Factors such as family needs, academic support, and social fit can play a role in a player’s decision to transfer.
Will Howard’s unique position—having experienced the pressures of competing at a high level at Kansas State, but also understanding the inner workings of the transfer process—has allowed him to serve as a valuable resource for Ohio State transfers who are considering a change of scenery.
The Future of the Transfer Portal and College Football Recruiting
The transfer portal has completely reshaped the landscape of college football recruiting, and Will Howard’s involvement in helping facilitate Ohio State transfers is a perfect example of how the system is evolving. The portal has created a more fluid environment in which players have the ability to move freely between programs, but it also places a premium on relationships and connections between players, coaches, and former players.
Howard’s role as a mentor and recruiter for Ohio State transfers speaks to a broader trend in college football: the increasing importance of player-driven recruitment. As the dynamics of college football continue to change, former players and established figures like Howard are likely to play an even greater role in shaping the future of college football rosters.
For Ohio State, the ability to navigate the transfer portal effectively and manage player movement will be a key factor in maintaining their place as one of the top programs in the country. At the same time, Howard’s efforts to bring former Ohio State players to his new program are just one example of how former athletes are leveraging their experiences and connections to shape the future of college football.
