Will Howard of Ohio State makes fun of his College Football Playoff opponent on Jon Gruden’s Barstool program.

In an era where media appearances are as crucial as game performances, college athletes are under constant scrutiny. But some, like Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, know how to use the platform to their advantage. Howard’s appearance on Jon Gruden’s Barstool program, Gruden’s Gridiron, was one such opportunity where the young quarterback not only showcased his confidence but also threw some playful jabs at his College Football Playoff (CFP) opponent — Alabama. His banter, while lighthearted, reflected the mindset of a player who’s ready to take on any challenge and, more importantly, isn’t afraid to have a little fun while doing it.

The Setting: A Lighthearted, High-Energy Interview

Jon Gruden, the former NFL head coach and now a media personality, has long been known for his fiery energy, off-the-cuff commentary, and larger-than-life persona. His Barstool show, Gruden’s Gridiron, attracts a wide audience thanks to its relaxed yet engaging format, which allows Gruden to ask tough questions, make bold statements, and have unfiltered conversations with some of the brightest stars in football.

On this particular episode, Gruden’s guest was Will Howard, Ohio State’s standout quarterback. The Buckeyes had just secured their spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff, and Howard, fresh off an impressive season, was eager to talk about everything from his team’s journey to his personal growth. But what stood out wasn’t just his candidness about Ohio State’s championship aspirations — it was the way he took on Alabama, his team’s impending CFP opponent.

The First Jab: The Hype Surrounding Alabama

As the interview began, Gruden wasted no time diving into the big topic: the upcoming CFP matchup between Ohio State and Alabama. The Crimson Tide, led by legendary coach Nick Saban, are perennial powerhouses in college football, known for their consistency and dominance on the national stage. Many viewed Alabama as the team to beat, but Will Howard had other ideas.

“So, Will,” Gruden began, his eyes glinting with mischief, “you guys are in the College Football Playoff, and you’re going to face off against Alabama. These guys have been kings of college football for the past decade, but you’re not backing down, are you?”

Howard grinned, clearly ready to have a little fun with the question. “Oh, not at all, Jon. I mean, Alabama’s Alabama, right? They’ve been good for years, and I respect their program. But you know, it’s funny how they get so much hype every year. You’d think they were handed the national championship trophy in the offseason the way people talk about them.”

Gruden chuckled. “Oh, you’re saying it’s all talk? You think they’re just overhyped?”

Howard nodded, leaning in slightly. “Look, they’re a good team. They’ve got some talented players, especially on defense, and Coach Saban knows what he’s doing. But sometimes I think they get a little too comfortable. Every year, people act like they’re the only team in college football that’s ready to win the national title. It’s like they’ve got a ‘this is our year’ script that’s written before the season even starts. But trust me, Jon — they haven’t seen anything like us.”

Gruden laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the banter. “I like it, Will! You’ve got some fire in you. But I’ve got to ask — with all the talk about their defense, their secondary especially, how do you feel about facing those guys?”

Howard didn’t hesitate. “They’re good, but honestly? I think we can outplay them. Look, they’ve got some talented defensive backs, but they’re not invincible. Every time they’ve faced a top-tier offense, they’ve struggled a little. They’re used to being able to shut teams down, but we’ve got depth, we’ve got speed, and we’ve got playmakers at every position.”

The Comedic Callback: Alabama’s “Five-Star Recruits”

As the conversation continued, Gruden pressed Howard on Alabama’s ability to recruit elite talent year after year. It’s one of the reasons the Crimson Tide are considered unstoppable by many — the program is consistently ranked at the top of every recruiting class. But Howard, with his signature confidence, wasn’t intimidated by that.

“You’ve got to give them credit, Will,” Gruden said with a laugh. “Saban knows how to recruit. The guy is like a wizard when it comes to bringing in five-star recruits. Alabama’s basically been the five-star factory for years now. How do you handle that kind of pressure?”

Howard leaned back, grinning. “Yeah, they recruit like crazy, but I think it’s kind of funny sometimes. It’s like every year, they’re trying to outdo themselves. They get all these five-star guys, and everyone acts like they’re the next big thing. But honestly? Some of those guys haven’t even played a snap, and they’re already being called the best in the nation. I mean, if you gave me a nickel for every time Alabama gets a new five-star recruit, I’d be a millionaire by now.”

Gruden burst out laughing. “Oh, man, that’s cold! You’re telling me they’re not as good as advertised?”

Howard shrugged playfully. “I mean, some of them are great. But they’ve got a lot of guys who are overhyped before they’ve even touched the field. We’ve faced a lot of guys this year who were supposed to be the next big thing, and we’ve shut them down. Alabama’s got some good players, but let’s not pretend they’re unbeatable.”

Gruden couldn’t get enough of the playful trash talk. “I love it, Will! You’re not afraid to take shots at ‘Bama. But here’s the real question: What’s your game plan going into this CFP matchup? You’ve got to play smart, right?”

The Big Moment: Ohio State’s Strengths vs. Alabama’s Reputation

As the conversation moved to a more serious tone, Gruden asked Howard to lay out his thoughts on how Ohio State would attack Alabama. The Buckeyes had been dominant all season, and Howard knew that if they were going to topple the Crimson Tide, it would take more than just talent — it would take a complete team effort.

“I think it comes down to balance,” Howard explained. “We’ve got a great offense, no doubt. But it’s our defense that’s going to surprise people. People talk about Alabama’s defense like it’s this unstoppable force, but they haven’t faced a team that can do both. We can strike quickly through the air or grind out yards on the ground. And don’t even get me started on our special teams. We’re clicking on all cylinders, and I’m confident that we’ll be the team to put it all together.”

Gruden nodded, impressed with Howard’s level-headed yet confident response. “Sounds like you’ve got a good game plan. And, hey, you’ve got some weapons, right? Marvin Harrison Jr. is a monster out there. He’s been a matchup nightmare for defenses all season.”

Howard’s eyes lit up. “Oh, absolutely. Marvin’s a freak. But it’s not just him. We’ve got playmakers everywhere. If Alabama tries to double-team Marvin, they’re going to leave someone else open. And that’s when we can really start picking them apart. They won’t be able to cover everyone. Our offense is too deep.”

The Final Shot: A Mic Drop Moment

As the interview drew to a close, Gruden asked Howard one last question: “Alright, Will, you score that game-winning touchdown against Alabama in the CFP, and you’re staring down their defense. What’s the first thing you’re going to say to them after you win?”

Howard paused for a moment, giving Gruden a knowing smile. “I’ll probably look at them and say, ‘You guys talked a big game, but at the end of the day, it was just another Saturday for Ohio State.’”

Gruden laughed so hard he nearly fell off his chair. “Man, I love it! You’ve got the mentality, Will. I’m telling you, Ohio State’s got a winner on their hands.”