Will Howard demonstrated how to accomplish the one task that Ohio State’s future starting quarterback has this spring.
As the spring practice season for college football heats up, the buzz surrounding Ohio State’s quarterback situation is palpable. A position as important as the quarterback spot is always a focal point of any program, but for Ohio State, it holds even more weight. The Buckeyes are consistently in the national championship conversation, and they are known for producing elite quarterbacks who go on to have successful careers in the NFL.
This spring, as Ohio State’s quarterback room continues to evolve, the future starting quarterback has one critical task to complete: proving that they are capable of leading the team with poise, consistency, and the ability to execute at the highest level. It’s a task that is easier said than done, especially when you consider the immense pressure that comes with being the face of such a high-profile program.
In a sport where the difference between success and failure often comes down to mental toughness, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure, it’s no surprise that Ohio State’s future quarterback is being put through the proverbial fire this spring. While several talented quarterbacks are vying for the job, it’s clear that the competition is fierce, and the task at hand is monumental.
One player who has been a strong example of how to handle this pressure and demonstrate leadership is Kansas State’s Will Howard. Howard’s journey through his own quarterback competition and eventual success provides invaluable insight for Ohio State’s future starter. Howard’s story is one that is filled with lessons that can help any quarterback aspiring to lead a program like Ohio State’s.
The Pressure of the Quarterback Position at Ohio State
Ohio State has long been a breeding ground for quarterbacks destined for greatness. The program’s history includes iconic names like Troy Smith, Justin Fields, and Dwayne Haskins, among others. Each of these players had a unique journey, but they shared one common trait: they thrived under the spotlight and led Ohio State with exceptional skill and composure.
In 2023, Ohio State’s quarterback position was filled by the highly touted C.J. Stroud, who helped elevate the program to national prominence during his time at the helm. Stroud’s leadership and performances were exceptional, but his departure to the NFL has left a void that the next Ohio State quarterback must fill. It’s a tough task, no matter who steps up. The future starter at Ohio State will inherit a program with high expectations and a fanbase that is accustomed to winning championships.
The pressure is not just about living up to Stroud’s legacy, though. It’s also about continuing Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten and competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The future starting quarterback must be able to handle these immense expectations, which include mastering the mental and physical aspects of the game and demonstrating consistent leadership throughout the season.
While the race for the starting job at Ohio State is still wide open, spring practice provides an opportunity for the candidates to separate themselves from one another. Quarterbacks are evaluated on their ability to make quick decisions, stay calm under pressure, demonstrate mastery of the playbook, and inspire confidence in their teammates.
The task is clear: Ohio State’s future quarterback needs to demonstrate that they have the mental and emotional fortitude to handle the challenges of leading the Buckeyes.
Will Howard’s Path to Success
To understand what Ohio State’s future quarterback is up against this spring, it’s helpful to look at the journey of Will Howard, the Kansas State quarterback who has become one of the best in the country. Howard’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and ultimately, finding his confidence when it mattered most.
Howard’s path to prominence wasn’t without its challenges. He began his college career at Kansas State in 2020, but like many quarterbacks, Howard found himself in a highly competitive environment. As a freshman, he struggled to find his rhythm and deal with the pressure of being the starter at a major program. However, his journey took a turn when he was forced into action during the 2021 season due to injuries at the quarterback position. This experience, although difficult, gave Howard a chance to mature both as a player and as a leader.
The defining moment in Howard’s career came when he was thrust into the starting role in 2022. After a rocky start to the season, he eventually led Kansas State to a Big 12 Championship and a victory in the Sugar Bowl. Howard’s performance in big moments was a testament to his development as a quarterback, and it helped solidify his reputation as one of the top players in the country. Over the course of the season, he demonstrated poise under pressure, sharp decision-making, and an ability to elevate his teammates. His growth and confidence were apparent, and it’s this maturation that offers a roadmap for Ohio State’s future quarterback.
For Howard, success didn’t come overnight. It was the result of hard work, patience, and the willingness to learn from his mistakes. The struggles early in his career taught him valuable lessons about resilience, mental toughness, and staying the course even when things didn’t go according to plan. Howard didn’t let setbacks define him; instead, he used them as motivation to improve and grow.
How Will Howard Demonstrated How to Handle Pressure
Will Howard’s success at Kansas State offers a lesson in handling the pressure of a starting quarterback role. The key to his rise was the ability to stay calm under pressure and find ways to lead his team when things weren’t going perfectly. For Ohio State’s future quarterback, these qualities will be essential in navigating the high expectations that come with the job.
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity One of the most important qualities that Howard demonstrated was resilience. He didn’t allow early struggles or setbacks to derail his career. In fact, he used those difficult moments to learn and grow. For Ohio State’s future quarterback, the ability to bounce back after mistakes or failures is critical. The Big Ten is a tough conference, and every quarterback will face adversity. Learning how to deal with those challenges without losing confidence is key to success.
- Staying Calm Under Pressure Throughout his career, Howard was known for his ability to remain composed during the most intense moments. In crucial games, he showed the ability to make calm and calculated decisions, which helped Kansas State win close games. Ohio State’s future quarterback will need to demonstrate the same composure, especially in high-stakes games like the Michigan rivalry or the Big Ten Championship. The ability to lead with poise and confidence is essential for managing the pressure of the job.
- Leadership by Example Howard’s growth as a leader was one of the most important aspects of his journey. While raw talent can get a quarterback only so far, leadership is what separates good players from great ones. Howard led by example, showing his teammates that hard work, determination, and a positive attitude could overcome any obstacle. Ohio State’s future quarterback must inspire confidence in their teammates and show that they can lead the team through adversity.
- Understanding the Game and Trusting the Process Howard’s development wasn’t just physical; it was also mental. He took the time to learn the intricacies of the game and developed a deeper understanding of defenses, reading coverages, and making the right decisions under pressure. This mental maturity allowed him to thrive in big moments. Ohio State’s future quarterback will need to follow a similar path of growth. Trusting the process and putting in the work to master the game on a mental level will be crucial for achieving success at the highest level.
Ohio State’s Future Quarterback: The Road Ahead
As Ohio State enters its spring practices, there is no doubt that the competition for the starting quarterback position will be fierce. Several players are vying for the job, each bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the table. However, whoever emerges as the starting quarterback will need to demonstrate the qualities that have made Will Howard such a successful player: resilience, leadership, composure under pressure, and a deep understanding of the game.
The task for Ohio State’s future quarterback is clear: prove that you can handle the pressure, lead your teammates, and elevate the program to even greater heights. With the right mindset, preparation, and ability to learn from past mistakes, Ohio State’s future quarterback can follow in the footsteps of players like Will Howard and become a leader capable of guiding the Buckeyes to success.
As spring practice unfolds, the quarterback competition will continue to heat up, but one thing is certain: whoever is named the starter will have a monumental task ahead of them. They will be tasked with carrying on the rich legacy of Ohio State football and competing for championships in one of the most competitive conferences in the nation. By following the example set by Will Howard, Ohio State’s future quarterback can lay the foundation for a successful and memorable career.
