Ex-Ohio State star Will Howard is “like a young Josh Allen,” Jon Gruden says

Ex-Ohio State Star Will Howard is “Like a Young Josh Allen,” Jon Gruden Says

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on some of the top quarterbacks in college football, and one player who has been generating significant buzz is Will Howard, the former Ohio State star. Though Howard’s college career did not reach the legendary heights of some of his predecessors, his growth and development over the years have drawn the attention of NFL scouts and analysts alike. One of the most notable endorsements came from former NFL coach and quarterback guru Jon Gruden, who compared Howard to Josh Allen, one of the league’s top quarterbacks.

In an exclusive interview, Gruden was effusive in his praise for Howard’s unique combination of skills and potential. “Will Howard is like a young Josh Allen,” Gruden stated. “He has the arm strength, the mobility, and the competitive spirit. He’s a guy you can build a franchise around.” With that bold statement, Gruden raised expectations for Howard, a quarterback who is starting to emerge as one of the most intriguing draft prospects in 2025.

Will Howard’s Ohio State Legacy

For many college football fans, the name Will Howard may not immediately bring to mind a standout superstar. After all, Howard’s career at Ohio State was marked by inconsistency and injury. However, his time in Columbus, Ohio, laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable transformation into a top-tier NFL prospect.

Howard arrived at Ohio State as a highly touted recruit out of Boca Raton, Florida, where he was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. With his combination of size (standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 230 pounds), mobility, and arm strength, Howard was seen as a prototypical NFL quarterback. He had the type of skills that immediately caught the eye of Ohio State’s coaching staff, but his path to starting quarterback wasn’t as smooth as many had anticipated.

After spending a few seasons behind Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, Howard struggled to find consistent playing time. He had flashes of brilliance in limited appearances but also faced criticism for some erratic performances. Nonetheless, his development as a passer, particularly his deep ball accuracy and decision-making, began to improve steadily, leading to a strong final year at Ohio State.

Howard’s breakthrough season came when he stepped in as the starter after a series of injuries to Ohio State’s quarterbacks. Although the Buckeyes’ offense was designed to be quarterback-friendly, Howard’s ability to adapt and excel in the system impressed coaches and scouts alike. His strong finish to his college career, highlighted by a stunning performance in a key matchup against Michigan, where he threw for over 350 yards and four touchdowns, helped solidify his status as one of the top quarterbacks available for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Gruden’s Comparison to Josh Allen

Jon Gruden, the former NFL head coach known for his extensive quarterback knowledge, didn’t mince words when discussing Howard’s potential. In an exclusive conversation with NFL Network, Gruden was asked to evaluate Howard as a draft prospect. “Will Howard is a lot like a young Josh Allen,” Gruden said. “When you watch him throw the football, you see the same arm strength, the same confidence, and the same kind of fearless mentality that Josh Allen had coming out of Wyoming.”

The comparison to Allen, who has since become one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks with the Buffalo Bills, is a lofty one. However, Gruden’s praise of Howard is rooted in some real similarities between the two quarterbacks. Much like Allen, Howard is known for his powerful arm and ability to make throws that few other quarterbacks can replicate. He can launch the ball downfield with velocity, and his ability to throw into tight windows is exceptional.

One of the most compelling aspects of Allen’s game that Gruden highlighted is his mobility. Although Allen is often lauded for his ability to extend plays with his legs and make plays outside the pocket, Howard possesses a similar skill set. Throughout his time at Ohio State, Howard showcased his ability to scramble when necessary, using his size and athleticism to pick up critical yards on the ground.

“I see the same type of mobility in Will that I saw in Josh Allen when he was at Wyoming,” Gruden explained. “Josh wasn’t just a guy who could sit in the pocket and throw; he could move and make plays when things broke down. Will has that same ability to extend plays with his legs, and that’s what makes him so dangerous. Teams are going to love his versatility.”

While Howard may not have the same pedigree as a prospect like Trevor Lawrence or C.J. Stroud, his raw physical tools have made him a player to watch in the upcoming draft. The comparison to Josh Allen comes with high expectations, but it’s one that many believe Howard has the potential to live up to.

The Case for Will Howard as a Franchise QB

What makes Howard such an intriguing prospect isn’t just his raw talent, but his mentality and work ethic. While many quarterbacks struggle with the transition from college to the NFL, Howard’s dedication to refining his game could give him an edge over other quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class.

In his final season at Ohio State, Howard showed considerable improvement in several areas, most notably his decision-making and leadership. He no longer relied solely on his arm strength; he began to make better reads and showed poise in critical situations. Scouts have taken note of his ability to handle pressure and his improvement in accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws.

One of Howard’s key strengths is his ability to process information quickly. He’s always been known for his football IQ, and it’s evident in the way he navigates the pocket and reads opposing defenses. In his time at Ohio State, he displayed a maturity in his approach to the game that belied his years. He quickly adapted to new offensive systems and was able to make adjustments on the fly, even in the midst of tough games.

With the NFL placing an increasing emphasis on dual-threat quarterbacks who can both throw and run, Howard’s versatility makes him an ideal candidate to lead a team in the modern game. His ability to break free from defenders and extend plays with his legs gives him a unique advantage, and it’s this dual-threat capability that could make him a perfect fit for a variety of NFL systems.

However, it’s not just Howard’s physical abilities that make him a candidate to be a future franchise quarterback. His leadership and competitive drive are often mentioned by coaches and teammates. Throughout his college career, Howard was consistently described as a player who worked tirelessly to improve his craft. Whether it was studying film late at night, refining his mechanics, or spending extra time with his receivers, Howard’s commitment to the game was always evident.

“I think what separates Will is his leadership,” said Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach. “He’s a guy who’s never satisfied, always pushing himself and his teammates to get better. He’s the type of quarterback you want leading your team because he has the mental toughness and determination to succeed.”

NFL Scouts and Draft Projections

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Will Howard’s stock is on the rise. With Gruden’s endorsement, the quarterback is likely to receive more attention from NFL scouts and general managers. While he may not have the same level of national recognition as some of the other top quarterbacks in the draft, Howard’s physical tools and potential for growth could make him an attractive option for teams in need of a franchise signal-caller.

Howard is projected to be a first-round pick, though it’s unclear exactly where he will fall. His comparison to Josh Allen may lead some to view him as a developmental project for a team looking for a quarterback with sky-high potential. Many believe that with the right coaching and development, Howard could become a future star in the NFL.

Teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings — all of whom are in need of a long-term answer at quarterback — could be prime destinations for Howard. His ability to come in and learn under a veteran quarterback, as well as his potential to start early in his career, makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to build for the future.

What’s Next for Will Howard?

The road ahead for Will Howard is full of opportunity. With his powerful arm, mobility, and leadership skills, he’s positioned himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, as Gruden’s comparison to Josh Allen suggests, Howard’s success will depend on how well he develops his skills in the coming years.

While Howard’s career at Ohio State was full of ups and downs, his potential is undeniable. As he continues to refine his game, it’s clear that he has the tools to become an elite NFL quarterback — and, if all goes well, possibly a franchise player like Josh Allen.

Ohio State fans, as well as NFL scouts, will be watching Howard closely in the lead-up to the 2025 draft. Whether he’s selected as a developmental project or as a potential Day 1 starter, there’s no denying that Will Howard has the skills and mentality to be the next big thing in the NFL. And, with Jon Gruden’s endorsement, the future is looking brighter than ever for this promising young quarterback.