After the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Shedeur Sanders spoke out in defense of Ohio State football’s Will Howard.

Shedeur Sanders Defends Ohio State’s Will Howard After 2025 NFL Scouting Combine Performance

The NFL Scouting Combine is often a defining moment in the lives of college football players, where prospects are evaluated by NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. For many, it’s a chance to showcase their physical attributes, mental acumen, and skill set, all in a highly competitive environment. But sometimes, a player’s performance at the Combine doesn’t tell the full story, especially for players who may not perform to their expectations. In the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Will Howard, the quarterback from Ohio State, found himself under heavy scrutiny after some of his drills didn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations set for him. However, Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback for the University of Colorado, came to Howard’s defense, speaking out on social media and in interviews to express support for his fellow QB.

This moment is significant not only because it sheds light on the relationship between college football quarterbacks but also because it highlights the nature of the NFL draft process—how it often revolves around perceptions and the volatility of one’s performance on a big stage. This article will take a deeper look into Shedeur Sanders’ defense of Will Howard, the implications for Howard’s draft prospects, the challenges faced by quarterbacks in the scouting process, and why this moment resonated across the college football and NFL communities.

Shedeur Sanders: A Rising Star in His Own Right

Before we delve into the specifics of Sanders’ defense of Will Howard, it’s important to understand Shedeur Sanders’ own journey. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur has carved out his own path in college football. A quarterback for the University of Colorado, Sanders enjoyed an impressive career during his time in the college ranks, building a name for himself with his powerful arm, leadership skills, and composure in high-pressure situations.

Sanders played a key role in Colorado’s remarkable 2024 season under his father’s coaching. He put up big numbers, passed for over 4,000 yards, and established himself as one of the most talked-about quarterbacks leading up to the NFL Draft. Sanders’ combination of talent, football IQ, and poise on the field earned him the spotlight, even though he was not considered the consensus No. 1 pick heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. This wasn’t a surprise, as Sanders—despite his standout performances—faced some critics about his competition in the Pac-12 and whether his game would fully translate to the NFL.

However, Sanders showed maturity beyond his years by defending Will Howard, a fellow quarterback who has been a staple for Ohio State football and has had a highly decorated career of his own.

Will Howard’s Performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine was a showcase for some of the best football prospects in the nation, where every prospect, from top quarterbacks to wide receivers, running backs, and defensive players, had their abilities tested. For Will Howard, a quarterback who had been one of the most consistent and reliable players for Ohio State over the course of the 2024 season, the expectations were high.

Throughout his college career, Howard demonstrated strong leadership, good decision-making, and a solid arm, often leading Ohio State to crucial victories in the Big Ten and showing up when it mattered most. He passed for 3,500 yards in 2024, with 28 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, and showed good mobility in the pocket. While not the flashiest quarterback, Howard had a reputation for executing the offense efficiently and showcasing good mechanics.

However, the Combine exposed some weaknesses in Howard’s performance. During the passing drills, scouts noted a few inaccuracies on his deep throws, and his performance in the 40-yard dash left much to be desired. This led to questions about his mobility and ability to make those critical plays outside of the pocket in the NFL, where the game is often played at a much faster pace than in college.

The criticisms of Howard quickly circulated among draft analysts and fans. There were those who questioned his readiness for the professional level, especially given his less-than-ideal Combine showing. Some wondered whether Howard could truly be a top quarterback in the NFL and if he was capable of leading an NFL franchise to success.

Sanders’ Defense of Howard

Amidst the criticism and the questions surrounding Howard’s Combine performance, Shedeur Sanders stepped forward to defend his fellow quarterback. Sanders, who had been through similar scrutiny during his own career at Colorado, was quick to point out that the NFL Combine doesn’t tell the full story of a player’s abilities or their potential at the next level.

In an impassioned social media post, Sanders wrote, “The Combine isn’t everything. It’s one day, one event, and doesn’t define a player’s career. Will Howard has shown time and time again that he can handle the pressure. His leadership, his ability to make the right decision, and his command of the game cannot be judged by a few drills. He’s got what it takes to succeed in the NFL.”

Sanders’ post quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many fans and analysts praising his support of Howard. Sanders emphasized that he, too, faced similar criticism during his time in college. Despite his standout career, Sanders was regularly asked about his ability to perform against top-tier competition, especially after transferring to Colorado from Jackson State University. However, Sanders had proven that with the right system, support, and preparation, his skills could translate into success at the next level.

The Nature of Quarterback Evaluation in the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft process is a complex and often subjective journey, where a player’s Combine performance and college statistics are weighed against numerous intangible factors. In the case of quarterbacks, the pressure is even higher. Quarterbacks are expected to be leaders, possess strong decision-making skills, and exhibit a high level of football IQ—traits that are often difficult to measure with a 40-yard dash or passing drill.

Shedeur Sanders’ defense of Will Howard highlights a critical point: the Combine is just one small piece of a much larger puzzle. A player’s mental toughness, ability to read defenses, and resilience under pressure cannot be fully evaluated in a workout or a series of drills. In Howard’s case, his on-field performance in college should be the larger determining factor in evaluating his draft stock, rather than a few isolated performances during the Combine.

Howard’s overall body of work during the 2024 season—leading Ohio State to the Big Ten Championship and a potential playoff berth—demonstrates his ability to handle the big stage. While he may not be the most mobile quarterback, his ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate throws should not be discounted. This is precisely the message that Sanders sought to convey, emphasizing the importance of considering the full picture when evaluating a quarterback’s future prospects.

How Howard Can Respond

While Shedeur Sanders’ words of support were important, Will Howard’s response to the criticism and how he handles the spotlight going forward will be crucial in determining his future. One of the key factors in a quarterback’s transition to the NFL is mental resilience—something Howard will need in spades.

Howard’s Combine performance was far from disastrous, but it did expose some areas for improvement, particularly in his deep-ball accuracy and mobility. However, Howard has the opportunity to learn from these experiences, refine his game, and prove that he can thrive in the NFL. By focusing on his mechanics, continuing to work on his mobility, and improving his deep throws, Howard can ensure that his Combine showing becomes a distant memory, rather than a defining moment.

Additionally, Howard’s leadership and maturity have been widely praised throughout his career, both by coaches and teammates. As he transitions to the NFL, those leadership qualities will be just as important as his physical attributes. In a league that places such a heavy emphasis on quarterback play, it’s often the intangibles—mental toughness, the ability to rally teammates, and on-field decision-making—that can make the difference between success and failure.

Sanders’ Impact: A Mentor and Advocate for Fellow Players

Shedeur Sanders’ defense of Will Howard at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine speaks to a broader theme of mentorship and camaraderie among college quarterbacks. While the nature of the draft process can often pit players against one another, Sanders’ act of defending a fellow quarterback highlights the sense of solidarity that exists among quarterbacks at the college level.

In an age where individual success is often prioritized, it’s refreshing to see that Sanders, who is already a top-tier draft prospect, took the time to support another player. Sanders’ message was clear: despite the pressures and competition, true athletes and competitors should support each other, especially when faced with adversity.