Ohio State’s next starting quarterback has one mission this spring, and Will Howard showed him how to accomplish it

Spring football at Ohio State is more than just an opportunity to fine-tune skills and break in new players; it’s a pivotal moment for the future of the program. This year, as with many others, the Buckeyes face the critical task of filling a key position—quarterback. The Buckeyes have long been known for their high-powered offense and elite signal-callers, from legends like Justin Fields to Dwayne Haskins. The transition from one starter to the next has always been a crucial part of the Ohio State football program, and this year is no different.

As Ohio State enters spring practice, the race to become the next starting quarterback is on, and it’s clear that the individual who emerges from this competition will have big shoes to fill. The competition has garnered a lot of attention, not just from fans and analysts, but also from coaches who understand that the quarterback position is the engine that drives this offense.

One of the key players in this year’s quarterback race is Will Howard, who made his mark on the Buckeyes’ program last season after stepping in for injured starter Kyle McCord. Howard’s ability to execute when it mattered most, particularly during key moments in Ohio State’s road to a CFP appearance, has made him one of the most talked-about players heading into spring football. However, as talented as Howard is, it’s clear that Ohio State is looking for a player who can not only match his level of play but also bring something unique to the table.

So, what is the mission for Ohio State’s next starting quarterback this spring, and how can they accomplish it? Will Howard has already shown the next potential starter the way forward, offering both insight and a blueprint for success as they fight for the starting job. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the critical aspects of this competition, examine what the next quarterback must do to succeed, and look at how Will Howard’s leadership and performance can serve as the model for success.

1. The Pressure of Being Ohio State’s Starting Quarterback

The quarterback position at Ohio State comes with a level of pressure that few can fully understand unless they’ve experienced it themselves. The Buckeyes are one of the most high-profile programs in college football, with national championships, playoff berths, and Heisman Trophy winners in the program’s history. Every season, the quarterback is expected to deliver consistent results on the field and lead a team brimming with future NFL talent. The stakes are high, and the level of scrutiny is immense.

• Performance Expectations: Ohio State quarterbacks are expected to not only manage the game but also make dynamic plays. This involves reading defenses, making quick decisions under pressure, and delivering accurate passes in high-leverage situations. The starting quarterback has to be the leader of the offense, responsible for putting points on the board while keeping the team focused and composed.
• Accountability and Leadership: Being the face of the offense also means being the leader of the locker room. Ohio State’s quarterbacks are expected to inspire confidence in their teammates and lead by example. Whether it’s the huddle, the practice field, or in front of the media, the quarterback needs to be a consistent, positive presence for the rest of the team.
• Managing External Pressure: The Ohio State fan base and the media have high expectations for their quarterbacks. With a passionate following comes a relentless spotlight. The new starting quarterback will be constantly under the microscope, with every pass and every decision being analyzed. Handling that pressure requires mental toughness, maturity, and the ability to stay focused on what matters most—winning games.

2. The Mission: Lead with Poise, Precision, and Purpose

So, what exactly does Ohio State’s next starting quarterback need to do to succeed this spring? There are several key qualities and goals that this player must focus on during spring practice to establish themselves as the starter.

Poise Under Pressure

Ohio State quarterbacks must possess poise—an ability to stay calm under pressure and perform when it counts. This was something that Will Howard demonstrated during his time as a fill-in starter in 2024. His ability to lead in crunch-time situations was evident, especially when he connected with standout receiver Jeremiah Smith for a key 3rd-and-7 conversion against Oregon in the CFP National Championship Game. The next starting quarterback needs to emulate Howard’s composure in high-pressure moments. Whether the game is on the line in the final minutes or the team is facing a tough opponent early in the season, the ability to execute with poise will be essential.

Accuracy and Consistency

Accuracy is the backbone of effective quarterback play. The Ohio State offense is built on precise passing, with short, intermediate, and deep routes all requiring impeccable ball placement. For the next starting quarterback, improving accuracy is paramount. Will Howard’s performance in key games showcased his ability to consistently put the ball in the right spot. His connection with his receivers was not just a product of talent but also his ability to lead them with perfectly placed passes, even under pressure.

In spring practice, focusing on accuracy in different types of throws—such as deep balls, short throws under pressure, and passes on the run—will be critical. The next quarterback needs to prove they can consistently hit those marks to move the offense down the field.

Decision-Making Speed

The speed of decision-making is often what separates the good quarterbacks from the great ones. In today’s fast-paced offenses, quarterbacks must be able to process what’s happening in real-time, read the defense, and make the right decision in a matter of seconds. Will Howard’s decision-making under pressure was one of the reasons Ohio State was so successful last season. Even when the defense seemed to be closing in, Howard would find an open receiver or take off and gain crucial yards.

For Ohio State’s next starter, mastering the speed of decision-making will be vital. Spring practice offers the perfect environment to improve reading defenses, recognizing blitzes, and making split-second decisions.

Leadership in the Huddle

A starting quarterback needs to inspire confidence and motivate teammates. Will Howard was not just a capable quarterback; he was also a leader who kept the team focused and energized. The next starter must build this kind of leadership from day one. It’s about more than calling plays—it’s about commanding respect in the huddle, making sure every teammate understands their role, and elevating everyone’s performance.

• Building Trust: Teammates need to trust that the quarterback will make the right decisions. Building that trust in spring practice will require communication, presence, and dependability. The new quarterback needs to connect with his offensive line, running backs, and wide receivers, making sure everyone is on the same page.
• Inspiring Confidence: The quarterback is the face of the team on offense, and they need to inspire confidence in their ability to execute. Whether in a high-pressure situation or an everyday practice drill, players need to feel that their quarterback has the skills and leadership to guide them to victory.

Adaptability to Coaching and Offensive Scheme

The ability to adapt to the coaching style of Ryan Day and the offensive scheme will be crucial. Ohio State’s offense is known for its dynamic, up-tempo approach, and quarterbacks need to be able to execute Day’s vision. Understanding the offense, adjusting to different play calls, and executing them efficiently will set apart the starting quarterback from the rest of the competition.

Will Howard, for instance, was able to adapt to Ohio State’s offensive system and perform well in big games. His ability to work with the coaching staff, understand the offense’s flow, and adapt to defensive adjustments allowed him to thrive under pressure. The next quarterback must embrace this adaptability as a key aspect of their development in spring practice.

3. The Impact of Will Howard’s Example

As the incumbent leader of Ohio State’s offense in 2024, Will Howard has set a high bar for the next quarterback. His blend of poise, leadership, and accuracy demonstrated the qualities that make a successful quarterback at Ohio State. His ability to perform in big moments and elevate the play of those around him has shown future candidates what it takes to lead the Buckeyes. But Howard’s influence extends beyond his play on the field—he has shown his potential successors the mindset, work ethic, and approach required to excel in this role.

• Confidence in Tough Situations: Howard proved that the ability to stay calm under fire is critical. When the game’s biggest moments arrive, the next quarterback must trust their preparation and training, knowing that they can execute. Howard’s success in crunch-time moments has shown future quarterbacks how to keep their cool under pressure and deliver when it counts.
• Work Ethic and Preparation: One thing that is often understated about quarterbacks is their preparation off the field. Will Howard’s work ethic, his commitment to learning the playbook, and his ability to get extra reps in practice made a significant difference in his ability to step in when the team needed him most. The next quarterback must follow his lead by preparing for every game with the same level of dedication and focus.
• Mental Toughness: Beyond physical skills, Howard’s ability to maintain a strong mental focus under the weight of expectation is perhaps one of his most impressive qualities. The next starter must demonstrate similar mental toughness, not just in practice but also when facing adversity on the field.

 Spring Practice as a Stepping Stone to Success

Ohio State’s next starting quarterback has one mission this spring: to prove that they can lead the Buckeyes to another championship and continue the legacy of excellence at the position. Will Howard has already set the example with his leadership, accuracy, poise, and preparation. His journey from backup to starter, along with his performance in clutch moments, has shown the next quarterback what it takes to succeed.

Spring practice provides the perfect environment for the next quarterback to establish themselves, develop their skills, and build trust with their teammates. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but with Will Howard’s example as a guide, Ohio State’s next starting quarterback will have a blueprint for success. It’s a matter of executing under pressure, leading

with confidence, and ensuring that when the season begins, they’re ready to continue the Buckeyes’ tradition of quarterback excellence.