Breaking: 5-star quarterback Will Howard (6 ft 4 in, 236 lbs) has decommitted from the Ohio State and chosen the LSU Tigers over the Kentucky and Florida State Seminoles

Breaking News: 5-Star Quarterback Will Howard Chooses LSU Over Ohio State, Kentucky, and Florida State

In a stunning twist to the recruiting world, five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and committed to the LSU Tigers. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound prodigy from Kansas City, Missouri, had been verbally committed to Ohio State for nearly a year but has made the bold decision to switch his allegiance. This move is one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 recruiting cycle and could significantly alter the landscape of college football recruiting in the coming years.

Howard’s decision to choose LSU over Ohio State, Kentucky, and Florida State is a monumental shift in the college football recruiting world, especially considering the high-profile nature of the teams involved. Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse with a history of developing top-tier quarterbacks, was expected to secure Howard’s commitment. However, LSU, with its storied history and recent success under head coach Brian Kelly, managed to pull off one of the most significant recruiting coups in recent memory.

The Recruiting Journey of Will Howard

Will Howard’s recruiting journey has been nothing short of remarkable. As a high school player at Lee’s Summit North High School in Kansas City, Howard quickly turned heads with his physical attributes and impressive on-field performances. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 236 pounds, Howard possesses the ideal frame for a modern-day quarterback. His size allows him to see over the line of scrimmage, while his strong arm gives him the ability to make all the throws in the playbook. Additionally, Howard’s mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs set him apart from many other top quarterbacks in the class.

Howard’s recruitment began early, with multiple schools showing interest due to his combination of size, skill, and intelligence. However, as his junior season progressed, it became clear that Howard would be one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in the country. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and manage the game at such a high level caught the attention of several top programs, but it was Ohio State that appeared to have the inside track for most of his recruitment.

By the time Howard made his verbal commitment to Ohio State in early 2024, it seemed like a foregone conclusion. Ohio State had been consistently dominant in the recruiting process and had developed a reputation for producing elite quarterbacks, most notably with players like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud, both of whom have gone on to the NFL. Howard’s commitment to the Buckeyes signaled a new chapter in their quarterback lineage, and many saw him as the next great signal-caller for the program.

However, over the last several months, Howard began to entertain other options. As is often the case with top-tier recruits, a shift in priorities, coaching changes, and new relationships can lead to a reevaluation of commitments. Despite Ohio State’s elite status, Howard began to take serious looks at other programs, and it was LSU that made the most significant push.

Why LSU?

LSU’s recruitment of Howard was aggressive and methodical. Head coach Brian Kelly, who took over the Tigers in 2022, has quickly turned the program around after a few down years. With a reputation for developing quarterbacks, Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock recognized Howard as a perfect fit for their system.

Kelly’s success at LSU, including an impressive 2023 season that saw the Tigers compete for the SEC title and make it to the College Football Playoff, has solidified the program as one of the most attractive destinations in college football. Kelly’s experience at Notre Dame and his ability to recruit nationally played a crucial role in landing Howard. Additionally, LSU’s recent success in developing quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow, who won the Heisman Trophy and led the Tigers to a national title in 2019, proved that the program could help Howard reach his full potential.

When Howard visited LSU for an official visit earlier this year, he was thoroughly impressed with the program’s facilities, coaching staff, and overall atmosphere. The Tigers’ offensive system, which has evolved under Kelly, focuses on a balanced attack with the quarterback at the center of it all. Howard’s arm strength and ability to make deep throws fit perfectly into this system. The presence of star wide receivers, a strong offensive line, and a passionate fanbase also factored into Howard’s decision.

Moreover, the Tigers’ ability to develop players at every position, including quarterback, was a key selling point. Kelly’s track record of developing talent—most notably at Notre Dame—showed that LSU could take Howard to the next level. Howard’s decision to pick LSU was also influenced by the potential for immediate playing time. With current starting quarterback Jayden Daniels eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, the starting quarterback job at LSU is likely to be open, and Howard sees a clear opportunity to step in and make an impact right away.

Impact of the Decision

Will Howard’s commitment to LSU is a seismic shift in the college football recruiting landscape. For LSU, landing a top-tier quarterback like Howard could be the final piece of the puzzle in continuing their ascent to national prominence under Brian Kelly. With the possibility of a true freshman starting in 2025, LSU will have a quarterback capable of leading them to championship contention.

For Ohio State, this is a significant blow. While the Buckeyes have long been one of the most successful programs in the country, losing a five-star quarterback of Howard’s caliber is a setback. Ohio State has a deep pool of talent and will likely pivot to other quarterbacks in the 2025 class, but Howard’s decommitment is certainly a reminder of the fickle nature of recruiting. The Buckeyes will now turn their attention to landing another top-tier quarterback to continue their tradition of excellence.

For Kentucky and Florida State, Howard’s decision to choose LSU over both programs is a disappointment but not necessarily a fatal blow. Both schools had made significant efforts to recruit Howard, but LSU’s combination of success, coaching staff, and opportunity ultimately proved more enticing. Kentucky and Florida State will now need to focus on other quarterbacks in the 2025 cycle, but both programs have demonstrated the ability to develop talent and could still land strong recruits.

What’s Next for Will Howard?

Now that Howard has committed to LSU, the focus will shift to his development as a college quarterback. Howard enters a program that has been known for its quarterback play, from Heisman-winning Joe Burrow to the talented Jayden Daniels. He will have the opportunity to learn under offensive-minded coaches who have a history of producing NFL-ready quarterbacks. His combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism makes him an ideal candidate for the modern college football game, and if he can continue to refine his skills, he could emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.

The LSU Tigers are poised to compete for national championships in the coming years, and with Howard in the fold, their future at quarterback looks exceptionally bright. Howard’s commitment gives LSU fans a sense of optimism and excitement for the future, as the program continues to recruit at an elite level.