Will Howard explains why he decided to commit to LSU football instead of Ohio State.
Will Howard Explains His Decision to Decommit from Ohio State and Commit to LSU Football
Recruiting is one of the most pivotal aspects of college football, and as the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, decisions made by young athletes regarding their college choices are becoming even more complex and heavily scrutinized. For high school football players, committing to a university is one of the most significant moments in their young careers, as it often shapes the direction of their future both on and off the field. But what happens when a highly coveted recruit decommits from one powerhouse program to join another?
This is precisely what happened when Will Howard, a five-star quarterback prospect from Kansas, made the decision to decommit from Ohio State University and commit to Louisiana State University (LSU) in the 2025 recruiting class. This unexpected decision has sent shockwaves through both the Ohio State and LSU fanbases, as Howard was originally considered a major piece of Ohio State’s future quarterback room.
In this article, we’ll break down Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State, the reasoning behind his shift in commitment to LSU, and the broader implications of his choice for both programs. We’ll also hear directly from Howard, as he opens up about his thought process and why he ultimately chose LSU as his destination. This is a deeper dive into one of the most high-profile recruiting decisions of the 2025 cycle.
Will Howard’s Background and Initial Commitment to Ohio State
Will Howard had been on the radar of major college football programs since his sophomore year in high school, where he gained national attention for his exceptional arm strength, poise in the pocket, and impressive mechanics as a quarterback. Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 220 pounds, Howard possesses the physical tools that NFL scouts often covet in a quarterback prospect. During his high school career, Howard threw for over 10,000 yards and led his team to multiple state playoff appearances, solidifying his place among the elite quarterbacks of his class.
As his recruitment began to heat up, Howard’s list of suitors grew rapidly. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, had a well-established reputation for developing quarterbacks, and the Buckeyes were quick to offer Howard a scholarship. Ohio State’s offensive system, known for its high-flying, pass-heavy attack, seemed like an ideal fit for a quarterback with Howard’s skill set, and he quickly became a top target for the Buckeyes.
After a series of official visits, discussions with Ohio State’s coaching staff, and extensive evaluations of the program, Howard ultimately committed to Ohio State in the spring of 2024. His commitment was seen as a major victory for the Buckeyes, as they secured the services of one of the top quarterbacks in the country. It was a decision that seemed like a perfect fit: Howard would be joining one of the most successful programs in the nation, a program with a legacy of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, and he would have the chance to compete in the Big Ten Conference, a league that regularly contends for national titles.
However, despite the excitement surrounding his commitment, Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State and ultimately commit to LSU has raised questions. What could have led Howard, who was seemingly locked into Ohio State, to change his mind and choose LSU?
The Reasons Behind Will Howard’s Decommitment
Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State and open up his recruitment once again was not a decision that came lightly. In fact, Howard had expressed on several occasions how excited he was to play for Ohio State and compete for a national championship with the Buckeyes. So, what changed?
- The Quarterback Room at Ohio State:
One of the most significant factors in Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State was the state of the quarterback room at the university. At the time of Howard’s initial commitment, the Buckeyes were coming off a stellar season with starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had declared for the NFL Draft after a productive career in Columbus. However, as Howard continued to monitor Ohio State’s quarterback situation, he quickly realized that there was considerable depth at the position.
Ohio State had already secured a highly touted quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, and there were strong signals that the program was poised to bring in other high-profile quarterbacks in the future. This created a level of uncertainty for Howard, who began to question whether his path to the starting job would be as clear as he had initially envisioned. While the competition at a major program like Ohio State is always fierce, the sheer volume of talent in the quarterback room made it less certain that Howard would be able to carve out a role as a true freshman.
- The LSU Quarterback Opportunity:
Enter LSU. Under head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers have made a significant return to national prominence, especially on the offensive side of the ball. LSU has long been known for producing top-tier talent at the quarterback position, with recent stars like Joe Burrow (the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion) and emerging prospects like Jayden Daniels providing the team with dynamic playmakers behind center.
LSU presented Howard with the opportunity to be a cornerstone of their offense. Not only did the Tigers have an offense that would allow him to showcase his skills and potentially step into the starting role early in his career, but they also had a track record of developing quarterbacks into first-round NFL Draft picks. The chance to play for an elite program in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with a strong offensive system and immediate playing time opportunities, was too enticing for Howard to pass up.
- A Change in the Recruiting Landscape:
Another factor that contributed to Howard’s decision was the changing landscape of college football recruiting in general. With the transfer portal now a major factor in player movement, many recruits are recognizing that the path to playing time isn’t always a straightforward journey. For a quarterback like Howard, it made sense to consider the possibility of early playing time, and LSU offered him the opportunity to do just that.
At Ohio State, there was a significant amount of competition at the quarterback position, and while Howard could have potentially developed over time, the immediate window for starting was uncertain. At LSU, the Tigers’ commitment to an up-tempo, pro-style offense gave Howard the feeling that he could step in and make an immediate impact.
Will Howard’s Statement on His Decision
In an exclusive interview, Will Howard shared his thoughts on the decision to decommit from Ohio State and commit to LSU, offering insight into his thought process during the months leading up to his decision.
“I want to first say that Ohio State is an incredible program with an incredible coaching staff,” Howard said. “When I first committed, I was excited about the opportunity to play for Coach Day and compete in one of the best conferences in college football. But as time went on, I realized that I had to think about what was best for my future, both as a football player and as a person. LSU presented a unique opportunity that I couldn’t ignore.”
“I’ve been watching LSU closely for a while now, and I just love what Coach Kelly is building there,” Howard continued. “Their offense, the way they use the quarterback position—it’s something I want to be a part of. I think I can come in and contribute right away. At Ohio State, there was always going to be competition, and I’m not afraid of competition, but I felt that LSU offered me a clearer path to getting on the field early.”
Howard also mentioned that LSU’s strong quarterback tradition played a key role in his decision. “When you look at the quarterbacks that have come through LSU, like Joe Burrow, who won the Heisman and led the team to a national title, it’s hard not to get excited. They’ve developed quarterbacks for the next level, and that’s something that really appealed to me. I want to be in an environment where I’m going to be developed and put in the best position to succeed.”
The Impact of Howard’s Decision on Ohio State and LSU
Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State and commitment to LSU will have ripple effects for both programs. For Ohio State, the loss of Howard is a tough one, as the Buckeyes were hoping to build their future around him at quarterback. However, Ohio State’s reputation as a quarterback factory and the presence of other top-tier recruits will ensure that they remain a contender for future quarterbacks, even without Howard. The Buckeyes still have highly-rated quarterbacks in their recruiting class and a talented roster in place, so they will be able to move forward without missing a beat.
For LSU, Howard’s commitment represents a huge win for Coach Brian Kelly and his staff. With the Tigers already having one of the most potent offenses in college football, adding a quarterback of Howard’s caliber gives them the opportunity to continue their rise in the SEC. Howard’s potential, combined with LSU’s offensive system, could make him a key piece in LSU’s pursuit of a national championship in the coming years.
