Will Howard of Ohio State thinks he’s this NFL draft class’s greatest quarterback.
Ohio State’s Will Howard Believes He’s the Best QB in This NFL Draft Class
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the quarterback position is once again the most highly anticipated and scrutinized position on the field. With teams looking for their next franchise signal caller, the spotlight is shining brightly on a select group of quarterbacks who have the talent, potential, and drive to become the next generational players in the NFL. Among this crop of talented quarterbacks, Ohio State’s Will Howard has emerged as a player who firmly believes he stands above the rest. In a world where confidence and self-assurance are crucial traits for a quarterback, Howard’s conviction that he is the best QB in this draft class has garnered attention, both from scouts and analysts alike.
In this article, we will delve into Will Howard’s journey to becoming one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in this draft class, explore his skills and attributes that have led him to believe he is the best, and analyze his prospects as he prepares for the NFL. While Howard’s belief in his own abilities might come across as bold or even brash to some, it is also a reflection of the self-confidence that top-tier quarterbacks need to succeed at the highest level. Let’s take a closer look at the Ohio State quarterback’s path to this point and examine why Howard has earned the right to claim he’s the best quarterback in this year’s NFL draft class.
Will Howard’s Journey to Ohio State
Will Howard’s story begins in the heart of one of the most storied football programs in the country: Ohio State. Born and raised in Ohio, Howard was surrounded by the game of football from an early age. His father, a former high school coach, instilled in him a passion for the sport, and his natural talent quickly became apparent. By the time Howard entered high school, he was already being recognized as one of the top quarterback prospects in the state.
Howard’s high school career at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland was nothing short of spectacular. He led his team to multiple state championships, earned numerous individual honors, and established himself as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the country. Howard’s arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket were particularly impressive, drawing the attention of several major college football programs.
Despite receiving offers from numerous top-tier schools, Howard’s decision to commit to Ohio State was motivated by more than just football. The chance to play for the Buckeyes under legendary head coach Ryan Day and to represent his home state was a dream come true for Howard. He was drawn to Ohio State not only for its rich football tradition but also for its culture of excellence and its ability to develop quarterbacks into NFL-ready talents.
As a freshman at Ohio State, Howard faced an uphill battle. The Buckeyes already had a talented quarterback in place, and Howard was tasked with learning from the sidelines while adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. However, it didn’t take long for Howard to prove that he was more than capable of handling the pressure.
His work ethic, intelligence, and leadership qualities quickly earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates. By his sophomore season, Howard was given more opportunities to showcase his skills on the field. His performance in practice and during limited game action demonstrated that he had the tools to succeed at the highest level. But it was during his junior and senior seasons that Howard truly made a name for himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
The Skill Set That Makes Howard Stand Out
One of the main reasons Will Howard believes he is the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft class is the diverse and well-rounded skill set that he possesses. While many quarterbacks in this draft class have specialized in certain areas—whether it be a strong arm, mobility, or accuracy—Howard has proven that he excels in virtually every aspect of the quarterback position.
Arm Strength: One of Howard’s most impressive traits is his arm strength. He has the ability to make all the throws on the field, from deep bombs down the sideline to perfectly placed intermediate routes in tight windows. Howard’s arm strength is elite, allowing him to stretch the defense and take advantage of mismatches on the field. His deep ball accuracy is particularly notable, as he consistently hits his targets in stride, even on long throws that require both velocity and touch. Howard’s arm allows him to challenge defenses vertically and keep opposing secondary units on their toes.
Accuracy: While arm strength is often what catches the eye, it is Howard’s accuracy that separates him from many of his peers. He excels at placing the ball precisely where it needs to be, whether that’s on short routes, quick slants, or deep throws. His ability to throw with touch and precision makes him a threat on every level of the field. Howard’s accuracy on the move is also noteworthy, as he is capable of maintaining a high level of precision even when forced to scramble or make off-balance throws.
Mobility and Athleticism: In today’s NFL, having a mobile quarterback is often a game-changer, and Howard’s athleticism gives him an edge over many traditional pocket passers. Although Howard is not a run-first quarterback, his ability to extend plays with his legs and make defenders miss is a valuable asset. He is agile in the pocket and can make throws on the run, whether it’s rolling out to his right or left. When the pocket breaks down, Howard has the ability to pick up yards with his legs and keep the chains moving, a skill that will translate well to the next level.
Football IQ: Another area in which Howard excels is his football IQ. His understanding of defensive schemes and ability to read coverages is exceptional for a player of his age. Howard is quick to diagnose defensive alignments, recognizing where pressure is coming from and how to counteract it. His pre-snap reads are sharp, and he has a knack for making adjustments at the line of scrimmage. His understanding of the game allows him to make intelligent decisions, minimizing mistakes and maximizing his team’s offensive potential.
Leadership: Beyond his physical tools, Howard’s leadership qualities are one of the key reasons why he believes he’s the best quarterback in this draft class. As the leader of the Ohio State offense, Howard has proven time and time again that he can take command of the huddle and guide his team in crucial moments. He is known for his ability to stay calm under pressure, inspire his teammates, and lead by example. Howard’s maturity and poise both on and off the field have made him a respected figure in the locker room, and his teammates trust him to get the job done when it matters most.
Why Howard Believes He’s the Best QB in the 2025 Draft
When asked why he believes he’s the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard is quick to highlight the combination of skills and qualities that set him apart from other prospects. “I’ve put in the work to develop every aspect of my game,” Howard says. “I can make every throw, I can read defenses, and I can lead my team. I have the arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and football IQ that it takes to succeed in the NFL.”
Howard’s confidence is rooted in his belief that he possesses the full package that teams are looking for in a quarterback. While some quarterbacks in the draft may be exceptional in one area, Howard sees himself as a more complete and versatile player who can excel in multiple facets of the game. He feels that his ability to perform in a variety of situations—whether it’s orchestrating a game-winning drive, making clutch throws under pressure, or picking up a key first down with his legs—makes him the most well-rounded quarterback in the class.
Furthermore, Howard points to his experience playing in the Big Ten, one of the most competitive and physically demanding conferences in college football. “The Big Ten is a tough conference, and I’ve had to go up against some of the best defenses in the country week in and week out,” Howard explains. “That’s prepared me for the next level. I’ve had to learn how to adjust to different schemes, how to handle pressure, and how to make the right decisions in critical moments.”
Projecting Howard’s Future in the NFL
As the NFL Draft approaches, Will Howard’s name is sure to be discussed extensively among analysts, scouts, and coaches. His combination of physical talent and mental acuity makes him a legitimate contender for one of the top spots in the draft. While there are other quarterbacks in this class with impressive skill sets—such as Caleb Williams from USC or Drake Maye from North Carolina—Howard’s belief that he is the best is more than just bravado. It’s a reflection of his preparation, his commitment to improving, and his unwavering confidence in his abilities.
Will Howard is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his potential to become a franchise quarterback is very real. His strong arm, accuracy, leadership, and football IQ give him the tools to succeed at the next level, and teams looking for a quarterback who can immediately contribute will undoubtedly take a hard look at him.
Ultimately, Howard’s belief that he is the best quarterback in this draft class is a testament to his drive and determination. He’s a player who knows his worth and is ready to prove it to the world. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Howard to see if he can live up to the hype and fulfill his potential as one of the future stars of the NFL.
