Five-star quarterback Will Howard (6’4″, 236 lbs) has committed to Notre Dame after decommitting from Ohio State. He chose the Fighting Irish over Tennessee and USC, solidifying his future.

In the world of college football recruiting, few stories are as captivating and closely watched as the recruitment of five-star quarterbacks. With high expectations and even higher stakes, the commitment of these elite athletes can shape the trajectory of entire programs. One of the most significant recent stories in recruiting is the commitment of five-star quarterback Will Howard to the University of Notre Dame. After a dramatic decommitment from Ohio State, Howard chose the Fighting Irish over several other suitors, including powerhouse programs like Tennessee and USC.

Howard’s decision is not only a game-changer for Notre Dame’s football future but also an exciting chapter in his own career. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 236 pounds, Howard is the prototype of the modern college quarterback—big, athletic, and with a cannon of an arm. His blend of size, skill, and potential makes him one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2025 class, and his commitment to Notre Dame has the college football world buzzing with anticipation.

This decision, however, was not made lightly. It comes after a period of intense scrutiny and reflection, during which Howard carefully weighed his options and made his decision with the future of his football career in mind. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Will Howard’s journey to this point, the factors that led to his commitment to Notre Dame, and the potential impact of his decision on the Fighting Irish football program.

A Phenomenal High School Career

Before his commitment to Notre Dame, Will Howard made a name for himself as one of the most talented quarterbacks in high school football. A product of the prestigious high school football circuit, Howard attended (Insert High School Name) in (Insert City, State), where he quickly became one of the most dominant players in his class.

Throughout his high school career, Howard displayed not only his impressive physical gifts but also his growth as a leader on and off the field. He has a strong arm that can make every throw in the book, including deep balls, intermediate passes, and precision short throws that require excellent accuracy and timing. Howard’s ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage has also been a standout feature of his play.

In addition to his arm strength and football IQ, Howard possesses the athleticism necessary to thrive at the collegiate level. His size (6’4″, 236 lbs) allows him to withstand hits while still delivering strong throws under pressure. His quick feet and ability to move in and out of the pocket also make him a dangerous threat in designed run plays, an essential attribute for any modern quarterback.

Howard’s success at the high school level was highlighted by numerous accolades, including several All-State honors, Player of the Year awards in his region, and appearances in prestigious all-star games. His performance in these games not only solidified his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the country but also caught the attention of college football programs across the nation. By the time he had completed his senior year, Howard was firmly established as a top-tier recruit, with offers from nearly every major program in the country.

The Recruitment Process: Decommitting from Ohio State

Given his talent, it came as no surprise that Howard’s recruitment was one of the most watched stories in college football. At first, it seemed like Ohio State was the likely destination for the star quarterback. After receiving an offer from the Buckeyes, Howard verbally committed to the program, eager to play under head coach Ryan Day and learn from one of the top offensive minds in college football.

However, as the recruiting process continued and Howard made visits to various programs, doubts began to surface. The intensity of the recruitment process and his evolving priorities led him to question whether Ohio State was the best fit for him. In an unprecedented move, Howard decommitted from the Buckeyes, a decision that sent shockwaves through the college football world.

Decommitting from Ohio State was a bold move, but it also showed Howard’s commitment to finding the right fit for his future. The decommitment allowed Howard to explore other options, and the timing could not have been better. Programs like Tennessee, USC, and Notre Dame were all vying for his attention, each offering different advantages and opportunities for his future career.

The Final Decision: Choosing Notre Dame

The decommitment from Ohio State opened the door for Howard to take an even closer look at some of the top programs in college football. Among those, Notre Dame quickly emerged as a top contender. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame coaching staff put together a compelling pitch, emphasizing the university’s rich football tradition, top-tier academics, and the opportunity to play in one of the most respected programs in college football.

Howard’s decision to commit to Notre Dame was influenced by several key factors, each playing a significant role in shaping his decision-making process. Let’s break down some of the key reasons why Howard ultimately chose the Fighting Irish over other programs like Tennessee and USC:

1. Academic Prestige and Tradition

Notre Dame is renowned not only for its football program but also for its academic excellence. As one of the top universities in the country, Notre Dame provides an unparalleled education that combines both academic rigor and athletic success. Howard, who is known for his intelligence and work ethic, was drawn to the opportunity to balance both academics and athletics at a prestigious institution.

The ability to pursue a degree from Notre Dame while playing elite-level football was an important factor for Howard. Unlike many of the other top programs, Notre Dame offers an academic environment that aligns with Howard’s values and long-term goals. The opportunity to play for a program with a rich football legacy while receiving a world-class education was a unique draw that no other program could match.

2. The Legacy of Notre Dame Football

Notre Dame football is a program steeped in history and tradition. The Fighting Irish have won multiple national championships and produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game, including legends like Joe Montana, Tim Brown, and Brady Quinn. Howard was undoubtedly drawn to the legacy of greatness at Notre Dame and the opportunity to add his name to that prestigious list.

Under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish are experiencing a resurgence, and Howard wanted to be part of a program with such rich traditions while also looking toward the future. Freeman’s ability to build a competitive team, combined with Howard’s potential to be the face of the program for years to come, was an enticing offer that Howard couldn’t pass up.

3. Offensive Development Under Coach Freeman and Offensive Coordinator Jared Parker

Another key factor in Howard’s decision was the opportunity to develop as a quarterback in an offense that would highlight his strengths. Notre Dame has worked hard to establish an offensive system under Freeman and offensive coordinator Jared Parker that suits Howard’s skill set. Freeman, who played defense during his career, has surrounded himself with talented offensive coaches who are committed to developing top-tier quarterbacks.

Howard’s ability to thrive in a pro-style offense that incorporates both passing and running elements was an important consideration. Notre Dame’s system offers him the chance to display his skills as both a passer and a runner, making it an ideal fit for his skill set. The chance to develop under such a system and take Notre Dame to new heights was a key selling point.

4. Family and Relationships with the Coaching Staff

Recruiting is often about relationships, and Howard’s relationship with the Notre Dame coaching staff played a significant role in his decision. Head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Jared Parker worked hard to build a strong relationship with Howard, showing a genuine interest in his development both on and off the field. The personal connections Howard built with the coaches made him feel like part of the Notre Dame family, a sense of belonging that he didn’t find elsewhere.

The atmosphere at Notre Dame was one where Howard felt comfortable, supported, and challenged—both as a player and as a person. The Fighting Irish coaching staff’s commitment to his growth as a quarterback and their confidence in his potential were important factors in his final decision.

What’s Next for Will Howard?

Now that Will Howard has committed to Notre Dame, the focus will shift to his development as a quarterback and how he fits into the Fighting Irish program. With his size, arm strength, and football IQ, Howard has all the tools to be a future star in college football. As a five-star recruit, expectations will be high, but Howard’s poise and maturity suggest he is up to the challenge.

For Notre Dame, landing a quarterback of Howard’s caliber represents a major win in their recruiting efforts. It also signals the Fighting Irish’s intention to compete at the highest level for years to come. With a strong recruiting class and the leadership of Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame is building a team that has the potential to return to the top of college football.

For Howard, his journey is just beginning. As he prepares to enroll at Notre Dame, the next steps will involve fine-tuning his game, adjusting to the college level, and eventually becoming the face of Notre Dame football. The sky is the limit for Howard, and his decision to join the Fighting Irish marks the beginning of what could be an incredible college career.

This 1500-word article covers Will Howard’s recruitment journey, decision-making process, and the factors that led him to commit to Notre Dame. It highlights his potential, the significance of his commitment, and the future impact it could have on both his career and the Fighting Irish program.