Ohio State’s next starting quarterback has one mission this spring, and Will Howard showed him how to accompl
Ohio State’s Next Starting Quarterback Has One Mission This Spring, and Will Howard Showed Him How to Accomplish It
Spring football is often a time of renewal, where coaches, players, and fans alike turn their attention to what lies ahead in the coming season. For Ohio State football, the spring of 2025 carries special significance. After the departure of the Buckeyes’ former starting quarterback Kyle McCord to the NFL, the program finds itself in a pivotal period of transition. Ohio State’s next starting quarterback has a clear mission: to step up and fill the shoes of McCord, who had a successful tenure under center.
As the Buckeyes enter their spring practices and workouts, one thing is clear: this quarterback battle will define the team’s offensive identity in 2025. For the player who emerges as the starting quarterback, the stakes are high—not only for his individual development but also for the team’s aspirations of competing for the Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff berth.
While many names have been tossed around in the quarterback competition, one standout figure may hold the key to this new quarterback’s success—Will Howard, who recently transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State. Howard, a proven and experienced quarterback with a remarkable college career at Kansas State, is expected to provide invaluable mentorship and leadership throughout the spring practices. His journey to becoming a starter and the lessons he learned along the way could prove pivotal for Ohio State’s next starting quarterback. In fact, Howard has shown, through his experiences, exactly how to approach the difficult transition from a backup to the starting role.
This article will explore the Ohio State quarterback competition, the critical role that Will Howard will play in the spring practices, and the lessons that Howard can impart to his younger, less-experienced teammates vying for the starting job. In addition, we’ll delve into the unique challenges that come with taking the helm of a program like Ohio State, and how Howard’s journey can serve as both a guide and a source of inspiration for Ohio State’s next starting quarterback.
The Quarterback Competition at Ohio State
The quarterback position at Ohio State has been a focal point of the program for years. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have consistently produced high-level quarterbacks, from Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields and CJ Stroud. Each quarterback has enjoyed a high level of success both in the regular season and on the national stage. However, with McCord’s departure, Day faces the challenge of finding the next player to lead the offense.
The contenders for the job in 2025 have been hotly debated among fans and analysts alike, but several players are in the thick of the competition. Devin Brown, a talented quarterback with a strong arm and dual-threat ability, has been viewed by many as the early favorite to become Ohio State’s next starter. Kyle McCord’s departure opened the door for Brown, but he faces stiff competition from others on the roster, including Beau Pribula, a highly-touted freshman quarterback who has already impressed coaches during early practices.
However, it’s important to note that Ohio State’s quarterback competition doesn’t just revolve around raw talent; leadership and understanding of the system are critical components as well. The ability to execute under pressure, lead the offense, and be a vocal presence in the locker room are all factors that will determine who ultimately takes the reins as Ohio State’s starting quarterback.
This is where the influence of Will Howard will come into play.
Will Howard’s Journey: From Backup to Starter
Will Howard’s journey through college football has been a fascinating one, marked by perseverance, grit, and eventual success. Howard began his college career at Kansas State in 2020, but it wasn’t an easy road to starting quarterback duties. In his first year, he saw limited action behind then-starter Skylar Thompson, and it seemed like his path to starting wouldn’t come for a while.
But fate intervened. In 2021, Thompson went down with an injury, and Howard was thrust into action. He was faced with a challenge that many backup quarterbacks hope to avoid: stepping into the starting role in the middle of a season. While some players would have crumbled under the pressure, Howard stepped up, showing both poise and skill, leading the Wildcats to victories in key games.
From that point on, Howard became Kansas State’s starting quarterback, and he excelled in the role. Over the course of his career, Howard continued to develop as a passer, a leader, and a decision-maker. In 2022, he played a critical role in helping Kansas State win the Big 12 Championship, a remarkable achievement for the Wildcats. His experience, leadership, and ability to perform in high-stakes moments earned him accolades and attention from programs across the country.
After finishing his time at Kansas State, Howard entered the transfer portal and ultimately decided to continue his career at Ohio State, where he saw an opportunity to contribute both on and off the field. His experience in competing for the starting job, coupled with his ability to lead a team through adversity, made him an ideal mentor for the young quarterbacks competing for the starting role at Ohio State.
Howard’s Role in Ohio State’s Spring Practices
Howard’s presence on Ohio State’s roster for spring practice is not just about being an additional quarterback on the depth chart; he plays an invaluable role in guiding and mentoring the younger quarterbacks. As a player who has experienced both the highs and lows of being a starting quarterback, Howard is uniquely positioned to offer advice, insight, and perspective to those who are now vying for that coveted starting position.
One key aspect of Howard’s leadership is his ability to help quarterbacks manage the mental and emotional challenges of the position. The pressure of leading an elite program like Ohio State is immense, and Howard knows all too well how difficult it can be to live up to expectations. His advice on how to handle that pressure, stay focused during difficult moments, and maintain confidence is something that Ohio State’s young quarterbacks can learn from.
In particular, Howard’s experience in being thrust into the starting role after being a backup is something that resonates deeply with players like Devin Brown and Beau Pribula, who are in similar situations. Howard understands that a quarterback’s journey to becoming the starter doesn’t always follow a linear path. Sometimes, it takes patience, resilience, and the willingness to step up when the team needs you the most.
For instance, Howard can share his experiences of what it’s like to perform under pressure in big games, such as when he led Kansas State to a Big 12 Championship victory. He can talk about how he managed to stay calm and execute his job in high-pressure moments. His experience can provide valuable lessons on how to excel in big-time games and how to trust in one’s preparation, even when the spotlight is on.
Moreover, Howard’s leadership on the practice field will be key. As an upperclassman with extensive playing experience, he can help the younger quarterbacks develop their timing, accuracy, and decision-making. Whether it’s working through drills, discussing defensive schemes, or practicing read progressions, Howard’s guidance will be instrumental in helping the young quarterbacks take their games to the next level.
The Mission for Ohio State’s Next Starting Quarterback
The mission for Ohio State’s next starting quarterback this spring is simple: to develop both the mental and physical aspects of his game to a point where he is ready to lead the offense in 2025. The team will face high expectations, with the Buckeyes looking to compete for a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. The next quarterback will need to step in and immediately take charge, showing leadership, poise, and decision-making abilities.
There are several key aspects of the quarterback position that the next starter must excel in to ensure Ohio State’s offensive success in 2025:
- Leadership: The quarterback is often referred to as the leader of the team, and for good reason. The ability to command respect in the huddle, communicate effectively with teammates, and lead by example are all qualities that the next Ohio State quarterback must demonstrate.
- Accuracy and Timing: A quarterback must be able to execute the passing game with precision. The ability to make accurate throws, especially on timing routes, will be a crucial skill for the new starter.
- Poise Under Pressure: The ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity is essential. Big games and high-pressure situations will inevitably arise during the season, and the quarterback must be able to manage those situations effectively.
- Football IQ: Understanding the opponent’s defensive schemes, reading coverages, and making quick decisions are all aspects of the quarterback’s role that will determine success. A quarterback must be able to process information rapidly and make adjustments on the fly.
- Mobility and Escaping Pressure: In today’s game, quarterbacks who can move and make plays with their legs are increasingly valuable. Whether extending a play or running for a first down, the next Ohio State quarterback must be able to use his mobility to gain an advantage.
