5-star quarterback Will Howard (6’4″, 236 lbs) decommitted from Ohio State, committing to Tennessee over Kentucky and Florida State.

In the world of college football recruiting, the decisions of top-tier recruits can dramatically shift the trajectory of a program. One such decision has come in the form of 5-star quarterback Will Howard (6’4”, 236 lbs), who recently decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and chose to commit to the Tennessee Volunteers. Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee over other elite programs, such as the Kentucky Wildcats and Florida State Seminoles, is a massive win for head coach Josh Heupel and the Volunteers, and it has sent ripples through college football recruiting circles.

Will Howard’s commitment to Tennessee represents more than just the acquisition of a highly-touted quarterback prospect. It is an indication of the continued growth and success of the Tennessee football program under Heupel’s leadership. With Howard’s decision, Tennessee gains a player who could very well shape the future of the program and help elevate it to championship contention. In this article, we will explore Will Howard’s journey to this pivotal moment in his recruiting process, the significance of his decision to commit to Tennessee, and the potential impact his commitment will have on the Volunteers, as well as on the broader landscape of college football.

Will Howard: A Highly-Touted Prospect

Will Howard, a dual-threat quarterback from the class of 2025, has long been regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. With his combination of size, arm strength, and mobility, Howard has the tools to succeed at the highest level of college football. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 236 pounds, Howard possesses the physical frame and athleticism that many college football programs covet in a quarterback. He has a rocket arm capable of making all the throws necessary to succeed at the collegiate level, and his ability to move in and out of the pocket adds a dual-threat element to his game.

Howard first gained national attention during his high school career, showcasing his abilities in several key games and leading his team to multiple victories. His performance on the field has earned him numerous accolades, including a spot in the prestigious All-American Bowl, where the nation’s top prospects compete. Additionally, Howard has been praised for his football IQ and leadership skills, which are crucial traits for a quarterback who is expected to lead a team both on and off the field.

In his high school career, Howard’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and perform under pressure has set him apart from many of his peers. His size and athleticism allow him to both push the ball downfield and extend plays with his legs when necessary. As a result, Howard has become a coveted recruit for nearly every major college football program in the country. His combination of physical attributes and mental acumen make him a potential game-changer for whichever program he chooses to commit to.

The Decommitment from Ohio State

For much of his recruitment, Howard had been firmly committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has been one of the most successful programs in college football over the past decade, consistently competing for national championships and producing top-tier NFL talent. The Buckeyes have a storied history of developing elite quarterbacks, which made their pursuit of Howard an appealing option for the young prospect.

However, in a surprising move, Howard decided to decommit from Ohio State, sending shockwaves through the recruiting world. While decommitments are not uncommon in the world of college football recruiting, this particular one raised eyebrows due to Ohio State’s prominence and the fact that Howard had been committed to the Buckeyes for a significant period. His decommitment left many wondering where he would land next, with several top programs entering the mix to secure his services.

As Howard opened up his recruitment again, it became clear that several programs were in hot pursuit of him. The Tennessee Volunteers, Kentucky Wildcats, and Florida State Seminoles were among the programs vying for his commitment, each offering unique advantages and opportunities. While Howard could have chosen any of these programs, his decision to commit to Tennessee has the potential to reshape the future of the Volunteers and elevate their status in the ever-competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Why Tennessee?

Tennessee’s rise in college football over the past few years has been nothing short of impressive. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have gone from being a middling SEC program to a legitimate national contender. The success of Heupel’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense has drawn attention from top recruits across the country, and Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee is a testament to the program’s continued momentum.

There are several reasons why Tennessee ultimately won the commitment of Will Howard, and they go beyond just the team’s success on the field. The first and foremost reason is Heupel’s offensive system. As an offensive-minded coach, Heupel has built an up-tempo, pass-heavy offense that relies on a dynamic, playmaking quarterback. Howard, with his strong arm and dual-threat ability, is an ideal fit for Heupel’s system, which emphasizes explosive plays and quick decision-making. In Tennessee’s offense, Howard will be able to showcase his skills, both as a passer and as a runner, in a system designed to maximize his talents.

In addition to the system, Tennessee’s coaching staff played a crucial role in Howard’s decision. Heupel and his staff have developed a reputation for working closely with quarterbacks and developing them into high-level players. Under Heupel, Tennessee has seen significant improvements in its quarterback play, with players like Hendon Hooker becoming stars in the system. For a young quarterback like Howard, the opportunity to learn from Heupel and his staff was likely a significant factor in his decision.

Tennessee’s facilities and fan base also played a part in Howard’s decision. The Volunteers have one of the most passionate fan bases in college football, and the atmosphere at Neyland Stadium is electric. As one of the top football programs in the country, Tennessee has state-of-the-art facilities, including a top-tier training center, that will help Howard develop into the best player he can be. These factors make Tennessee an attractive destination for a player looking to develop at the highest level and play in front of a passionate fan base.

The Impact on Tennessee’s Program

Will Howard’s commitment to Tennessee has significant implications for the Volunteers’ program, both in the short and long term. First and foremost, Howard’s commitment adds a game-changing quarterback to the roster. While Tennessee has had success with quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker in recent years, Howard is considered to have a higher ceiling and more potential to be a future star. His presence on the roster provides the Volunteers with a franchise quarterback who can lead the team for several years and help Tennessee continue its rise in the SEC.

In addition to the immediate impact on the field, Howard’s commitment will likely have a ripple effect on Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. Top quarterbacks often attract attention from other elite recruits, particularly offensive skill players who want to play alongside a highly-regarded quarterback. Howard’s commitment is likely to help Tennessee in their pursuit of other top recruits, as high-profile players will see the potential for success with a player of Howard’s caliber leading the offense.

Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee also strengthens the program’s national recruiting footprint. With the rise of Tennessee football under Heupel’s leadership, the program is becoming a more attractive destination for top recruits across the country. By securing a player of Howard’s caliber, Tennessee further solidifies its place as a top-tier program and a legitimate contender in the SEC.

The Competition: Kentucky and Florida State

While Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee is a major win for the Volunteers, it also highlights the fierce competition for elite talent in college football. The Kentucky Wildcats and Florida State Seminoles were both in the running for Howard’s commitment and offered strong programs in their own right.

Kentucky, under head coach Mark Stoops, has made significant strides in recent years, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Wildcats have developed a reputation for producing strong, physical teams that compete in the SEC. Although Kentucky has been a strong contender for many top recruits, the addition of a highly-regarded quarterback like Howard could have been a game-changer for the Wildcats.

Florida State, under head coach Mike Norvell, has also been on the rise, particularly with the emergence of quarterback Jordan Travis. The Seminoles offer a rich football tradition and the chance to play in a competitive ACC conference, but they ultimately fell short in the battle for Howard’s commitment.

Both programs will likely continue to recruit at a high level, but Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee further solidifies the Volunteers’ position as one of the top programs in the nation.

What’s Next for Will Howard?

With his commitment to Tennessee, Will Howard now shifts his focus to preparing for the next chapter of his football career. The 2025 season will be a crucial year for Howard as he prepares to take the field for the Volunteers. His development under Heupel’s system will be key to his success, as he looks to make an immediate impact and help Tennessee compete for an SEC title.

Howard’s future in college football looks bright, and his decision to commit to Tennessee sets the stage for what could be an exciting and successful career in Knoxville. As one of the top quarterback prospects in the country, all eyes will be on Howard as he embarks on his journey at Tennessee, and the Volunteers’ future looks even more promising with him leading the way.