Breaking: 5-star quarterback Will Howard (6’4″, 236 lbs) decommits from Ohio State and chooses Nebraska over Georgia and Missouri. A huge win for the Cornhuskers!
In a stunning turn of events, 5-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and announced his decision to commit to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 236 pounds, Howard has long been considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, with a skill set that includes a powerful arm, poise in the pocket, and impressive mobility for his size. His commitment to Nebraska represents a major coup for head coach Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers’ football program, especially considering that he was heavily pursued by top programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and Missouri.
The Recruitment of Will Howard
Will Howard’s recruitment has been a rollercoaster ride, one that has seen the talented quarterback field offers from virtually every major football program in the country. As a standout high school player, Howard earned accolades for his leadership and production on the field. His performances in high school football have caught the attention of college football coaches, and he quickly became a sought-after prospect.
Coming out of his junior season, Howard had the chance to choose from a long list of powerhouse programs, all of whom saw him as a franchise quarterback. Ohio State had initially won his commitment, which was a significant statement about the program’s ability to attract top talent, but Nebraska made a late push that turned out to be too strong to resist.
For Howard, the decision to decommit from Ohio State was no easy feat. The Buckeyes have been one of the most successful college football programs in recent years, and the prospect of playing under head coach Ryan Day, a quarterback guru, was undoubtedly appealing. However, Howard’s decision to leave Columbus and choose Nebraska shows that he was not just focused on what’s on paper but also on the right environment for his development.
Why Nebraska? A New Chapter for Will Howard
So why did Howard choose Nebraska, a program that has faced its share of challenges in recent years? While many would have expected Howard to stay committed to a team like Ohio State, Nebraska’s pursuit of Howard was relentless, and their pitch resonated with the young quarterback on a personal level. There are several reasons behind Howard’s decision that made Nebraska the best fit for his future.
Coach Matt Rhule’s Vision for the Program
One of the primary reasons Howard chose Nebraska over Ohio State, Georgia, and Missouri was the clear vision and direction offered by head coach Matt Rhule. Rhule, who took over at Nebraska in 2022, is known for his ability to turn struggling programs around. His track record of success at Temple and Baylor, where he transformed both programs into perennial contenders, proved to be a major selling point.
Rhule’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable program at Nebraska was something that Howard appreciated. In particular, Howard was drawn to Rhule’s emphasis on developing quarterbacks and building a culture that would allow him to thrive. Howard saw an opportunity to be the centerpiece of Nebraska’s rebuilding project and believed that playing under Rhule would give him the platform to reach his full potential.
In an interview following his commitment, Howard shared his admiration for Rhule’s vision, stating, “Coach Rhule is a guy I believe in. He’s been through the ups and downs in the past, and he’s proven he can get teams back to the top. The culture he’s building at Nebraska is one I want to be a part of, and I believe in what they’re doing here.”
Nebraska’s Need for a Star Quarterback
Nebraska has been in search of a true, franchise quarterback for quite some time. While the Cornhuskers have had some talented quarterbacks in recent years, they have struggled to find the consistent, game-changing signal-caller who can lead them to championship contention. Howard’s decision to commit to Nebraska is a massive opportunity for both him and the program. The quarterback position has been a bit of a revolving door in Lincoln, and Howard has the chance to step in and solidify his place as the leader of the team.
Nebraska’s ability to land Howard comes at a time when the program is looking to reestablish itself as a national power. With Rhule’s coaching prowess and a strong recruiting class, Nebraska’s future is looking brighter than ever. Howard’s commitment signals that the Cornhuskers are serious about competing at the highest level and that they are a program on the rise.
Family and Relationship with Nebraska’s Staff
In addition to the coaching staff, Howard’s relationship with the Nebraska program and its staff played a significant role in his decision-making process. During his recruitment, Howard had built strong relationships with various members of the Nebraska coaching staff, and those relationships ultimately swayed him in their favor. The Cornhuskers were diligent in their recruitment, and Howard appreciated their persistence and personal connection.
“I’ve felt a connection with the Nebraska staff since the first time I visited,” Howard shared in his statement. “They’ve always been real with me and have treated me like family from day one. That’s something that I value a lot, and it made my decision a lot easier.”
For Howard, the sense of belonging and community that Nebraska offered was a significant factor in his choice. It wasn’t just about football; it was about finding a place where he felt at home.
Nebraska’s Rich Tradition and Fanbase
Another factor that played a role in Howard’s decision was Nebraska’s rich football tradition and passionate fanbase. Despite recent struggles on the field, the Cornhuskers have a storied history in college football, and Howard recognized the immense potential of being a part of that legacy.
Nebraska’s fanbase, known for its unwavering support of the team, also played a part in his commitment. The opportunity to play in front of such a loyal and enthusiastic crowd was an exciting prospect for Howard. The chance to become the face of a program with such a rich history was an opportunity he didn’t want to pass up.
“It’s something special to play at a place like Nebraska,” Howard said. “The fans are incredible, and the support for the program is unmatched. I’m excited to be a part of it and to help bring Nebraska back to the top.”
The Recruiting Battle: Ohio State, Georgia, and Missouri
Howard’s decision to choose Nebraska over Ohio State, Georgia, and Missouri was not an easy one, and it speaks volumes about the hard work put in by the Nebraska coaching staff. Each of these programs had significant appeal, with Ohio State boasting a reputation for developing top-tier quarterbacks, Georgia consistently being a championship contender, and Missouri offering an up-and-coming program with strong potential.
Ohio State had long been seen as the frontrunner in Howard’s recruitment, and many speculated that he would remain with the Buckeyes after initially committing. However, Nebraska’s persistent pursuit and the appeal of Rhule’s vision made the difference in the end. Howard recognized the opportunity to be the centerpiece of Nebraska’s rebuilding process and saw the potential for immediate playing time.
Georgia, on the other hand, is coming off a national championship win and has established itself as one of the top programs in the country. While the Bulldogs are well-known for their defense and running game, Howard was attracted to the idea of a more pass-heavy offense where he could thrive as a quarterback. In the end, the opportunity at Nebraska seemed to be the better fit for his playing style and career goals.
Missouri, a program that has been on the rise in recent years, also made a strong push for Howard’s services. While the Tigers have shown improvement, Howard ultimately chose Nebraska’s larger recruiting class and greater long-term potential over Missouri’s immediate allure.
The Impact of Will Howard’s Commitment
Will Howard’s commitment to Nebraska is a massive win for the Cornhuskers and head coach Matt Rhule. This is a program-changing moment that can have long-lasting effects on Nebraska’s trajectory in college football. With Howard leading the way, Nebraska’s offense is poised to take a significant leap forward in the coming seasons. His commitment also sends a message to other recruits that Nebraska is a program on the rise and one worth paying attention to.
For Howard, this is just the beginning. His decision to decommit from Ohio State and choose Nebraska is a bold one, but it sets him on a path to success. He now has the opportunity to prove himself as the leader of a program with great potential and a rich football tradition. As he continues to develop under Coach Rhule, there’s little doubt that Howard has the tools to become one of the top quarterbacks in college football and a future NFL star.
In the coming years, all eyes will be on Will Howard as he leads Nebraska into a new era of success. The Cornhuskers have landed their quarterback of the future, and the sky’s the limit for both Howard and the program. Welcome to the family, Will Howard—Nebraska football is ready for you!
