Will Howard be the subject of any wagers? The Ohio State quarterback speaks out following his performance at the Combine.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has found himself at the center of controversy following his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. After what many considered an underwhelming showing, Howard has pointed the finger at Michigan fans, accusing them of exaggerating and misrepresenting his results. His comments have sparked heated debates among college football fans, analysts, and NFL scouts alike, raising questions about media narratives, rivalry-fueled scrutiny, and the pressure quarterbacks face as they prepare for the NFL Draft.
The Scouting Combine Performance
The NFL Scouting Combine is a crucial event for draft prospects, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their athleticism, football IQ, and skill set in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers. For quarterbacks, accuracy, arm strength, decision-making, and leadership qualities are all under the microscope.
Howard’s performance at the combine was met with mixed reviews. While he displayed flashes of strong arm talent, his accuracy on intermediate and deep throws was inconsistent. Additionally, his 40-yard dash time, agility drills, and throwing mechanics were scrutinized, leading some analysts to suggest he may not be as polished of a prospect as previously thought.
Howard’s Response to Criticism
In the days following the combine, Howard took to social media and interviews to express his frustration. He specifically called out Michigan fans for what he perceived as an orchestrated effort to discredit him.
“I get it, the rivalry is intense, but Michigan fans have blown my performance way out of proportion,” Howard said in an interview. “It’s like they’re celebrating my struggles instead of focusing on their own guys. The truth is, I’ve put in the work, and one day doesn’t define me as a quarterback.”
His comments quickly spread across social media, igniting debates over whether his criticism was justified or merely an attempt to deflect blame.
Rivalry-Driven Criticism or Fair Assessment?
The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is one of the most intense in college football, with fan bases that passionately support their teams while fiercely antagonizing their rivals. It’s no surprise that Michigan fans seized the opportunity to critique Howard’s performance, especially given the Buckeyes’ recent struggles against Michigan in head-to-head matchups.
However, the question remains: was the criticism of Howard’s combine showing purely driven by rivalry, or were there legitimate concerns raised by NFL scouts and analysts? Some experts have weighed in, suggesting that while Michigan fans may have amplified the narrative, the critiques themselves weren’t unfounded.
“Howard had some rough moments at the combine,” one NFL scout said. “That’s not to say he won’t develop into a solid quarterback, but the inconsistencies were there. I don’t think it’s fair to blame just Michigan fans for the scrutiny—this is the NFL Draft process. Every quarterback gets dissected.”
How This Affects Howard’s Draft Stock
Leading up to the combine, Howard was projected as a mid-to-late-round draft pick, with some believing he had the potential to rise with a strong performance in pre-draft workouts. His physical attributes—standing at 6-foot-4 with a solid build and strong arm—make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a developmental quarterback.
However, his combine performance and the subsequent controversy could have lingering effects on how teams perceive him. While the NFL is ultimately about talent and performance, front offices also consider a player’s mental toughness and ability to handle pressure. Howard’s decision to publicly call out fan criticism may raise concerns about how he will handle adversity at the professional level.
Reactions from Ohio State and Michigan Players
Howard’s remarks didn’t go unnoticed by current and former players from both programs. Some of his Ohio State teammates defended him, emphasizing the intense scrutiny that comes with being an elite college quarterback.
“Will is one of the hardest workers I know,” one Ohio State receiver said. “People love to pick apart a couple of throws and ignore the body of work he’s put together.”
On the other side, former Michigan players took the opportunity to poke fun at Howard’s response.
“Man, blaming fans for your combine performance is wild,” a former Michigan defensive back posted on social media. “Just put in the work and prove them wrong.”
What’s Next for Howard?
Despite the controversy, Howard still has opportunities to improve his draft stock before the NFL Draft. Pro Day workouts, private team visits, and interviews will be crucial in shaping how teams view him. If he can showcase improved accuracy, mechanics, and decision-making, he may be able to alleviate concerns raised during the combine.
Ultimately, Howard’s NFL success will be determined by his ability to develop as a quarterback, not by social media debates. Whether Michigan fans exaggerated his struggles or not, the only way to silence critics is through performance on the field.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Howard to see how he responds—not just to the rivalry-fueled criticism but to the challenges of transitioning to the next level.
