Ohio State QB Chase builds buzz, while Will Howard’s Steelers connection fuels recruiting intrigue and potential NFL pipeline momentum.

In the ever-evolving world of college football, where headlines are often dictated by quarterback play and NFL potential, two names have captured the spotlight heading into the new season: Ohio State’s rising quarterback Chase Lattimore, and former Kansas State standout Will Howard, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While one is writing the early chapters of a collegiate career in Columbus, the other is quietly influencing recruiting pipelines from the NFL stage. Both stories are unfolding with a ripple effect that could reshape how elite talent views the quarterback position at Ohio State — and beyond.

The Rise of Chase Lattimore at Ohio State

When Chase Lattimore arrived in Columbus as a highly touted four-star recruit out of Charlotte, North Carolina, most expected a standard development curve. He wasn’t the No. 1 quarterback in his class, but he was talented, poised, and brought an athletic edge to the Buckeyes’ QB room.

One year later, the situation has changed dramatically.

With Kyle McCord transferring and Devin Brown slowed by injuries, Lattimore entered spring camp as the underdog and emerged as the favorite. Not officially named the starter — at least not yet — Lattimore’s performance in Ohio State’s spring game electrified both the coaching staff and the fan base.

Completing 17 of 22 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns, he showcased command of the offense, quick decision-making, and a deep ball that brought back memories of Justin Fields.

“He’s been the most consistent guy on the field this spring,” head coach Ryan Day said after the spring showcase. “He understands the offense, takes care of the football, and can make plays with his legs. That’s the modern quarterback, and Chase has it.”

A New Identity for Ohio State’s Offense?

Ohio State is known for producing elite passers, but in recent years, the offense has leaned heavily on pocket precision — think Dwayne Haskins, C.J. Stroud. Lattimore adds a new element: mobility.

His ability to extend plays and punish defenses with designed runs could force a philosophical shift in Columbus. It’s something that excites offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who joined Ohio State after a long stint in the NFL and at UCLA.

“With a guy like Chase, the playbook gets a lot bigger,” Kelly said. “We can run zone reads, move the pocket, and stress defenses in ways we haven’t recently.”

Lattimore’s development could also bring renewed interest from dual-threat quarterbacks across the country, changing the profile of the position in Ohio State’s future recruiting classes.

The Recruiting Dominoes

Already, whispers have started among high school quarterbacks considering Ohio State. Several top 2026 recruits have noted Lattimore’s rise and are watching closely.

“If Coach Day is gonna start using a more mobile guy, that’s huge,” said one top dual-threat QB from Georgia. “They’ve always had great receivers, but if the QB is part of the run game, it changes everything.”

And here’s where Will Howard enters the conversation — not in Columbus, but from Pittsburgh.

Will Howard: From Wildcat to Steeler — And Now, a Recruiting Influence?

Will Howard’s college career flew under the radar nationally, but his final year at Kansas State cemented him as a gamer: a smart, tough leader with a big arm and a bigger motor. After transferring to Ohio State for one final year of eligibility, Howard served as a veteran voice in the Buckeyes’ locker room, backing up and mentoring younger QBs while making critical plays in limited action.

His decision to come to Ohio State wasn’t just about playing time — it was about preparing for the next level. And that gamble appears to be paying off.

After impressing scouts with his football IQ, athleticism, and maturity, Howard was drafted late by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who see him as a long-term developmental option behind Russell Wilson. But Howard’s real impact may be off the field — particularly in how he speaks about his time at Ohio State.

In interviews and locker room conversations, Howard hasn’t held back praise for the Buckeyes’ system, coaching, and culture.

“Ohio State is the best place I’ve ever been for learning how to be a pro,” he said in a post-draft interview. “The preparation there, the film study, the level of detail — it’s next level. It got me ready for this.”

NFL Connection = Recruiting Boost

It might not seem like much on the surface, but Howard’s endorsement has weight — especially among recruits who dream of the NFL. In today’s landscape, college decisions are shaped as much by branding and exposure as by tradition.

Howard’s journey is now being cited by Ohio State recruiters as proof that even backup QBs can go pro with the right development and support.

“You come to Ohio State, you’re competing with the best,” said quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis. “That pressure is what shapes NFL players. And Will Howard is a great example of that.”

Recruits are listening.

Especially those who might be deciding between starting immediately at a mid-tier Power Five school or developing for two years at a place like Ohio State.

Pittsburgh’s Influence on the Buckeyes

The Steelers, long known for their stability and blue-collar toughness, are now becoming an unexpected ally for Ohio State’s recruiting narrative. Howard’s presence there, along with other former Buckeyes like Cameron Heyward and Darnell Washington, offers recruits a vision of longevity and professionalism.

“It’s not just about being drafted,” said one Buckeye staffer. “It’s about sticking in the league. The Steelers are a great example of where former Buckeyes thrive — and now with Will there, it’s another link in that chain.”

The pipeline is quiet but growing, and it’s resonating in living rooms across the country.

A Dual Narrative, One Powerful Message

What makes this moment compelling for Ohio State isn’t just that they have a promising young QB — it’s that they can now tell a story from both ends:

• Chase Lattimore, the young, electric future, already building buzz and potentially redefining the offense.
• Will Howard, the seasoned leader whose time in Columbus led to a shot in the NFL — and whose praise is becoming a secret weapon in recruiting.

Together, they form a narrative that few programs can replicate: We develop quarterbacks for today’s game and tomorrow’s league — whether you start right away or bide your time.

The Pressure Ahead

Of course, all of this buzz comes with expectation. Lattimore hasn’t yet played a regular-season snap as the starter. The bright lights of Columbus can be unforgiving, and Ohio State fans are notoriously demanding.

If Lattimore falters, the story changes. The pipeline weakens. The perception shifts.

But if he shines — if he brings back the kind of dual-threat excellence that fans once saw in Braxton Miller or Justin Fields — then the Buckeyes will not only contend for a national title, they’ll control the future of quarterback recruiting.

Final Thoughts: The Era of the QB Brand

In modern college football, the quarterback is not just the leader of the offense — he’s the face of the brand.

Chase Lattimore is on the verge of becoming that face for Ohio State. Will Howard, now wearing black and gold, is the proof that the system works.

And as recruits weigh offers, NIL packages, and playing time, these two stories are quietly helping the Buckeyes reclaim their throne as Quarterback U — one breakout at a time.