Ohio State’s Will Howard believes he’s the “best quarterback in this class” due to his skills, leadership, and potential.

In the highly competitive world of college football recruiting, self-belief and confidence can make a huge difference in a player’s success. Will Howard, the Ohio State quarterback, is no exception. As he prepares for his career in Columbus, Howard has made it clear that he believes he is the “best quarterback in this class.” This statement, while bold, is not without merit, as it stems from his unwavering belief in his skills, leadership qualities, and untapped potential. In this piece, we will explore the reasons behind Howard’s confidence, break down the elements that make him stand out as a quarterback, and analyze why he sees himself as the top quarterback in his class.

Will Howard’s Journey to Ohio State

Before delving into why Howard believes he is the best quarterback in his class, it’s essential to understand his journey to Ohio State. Howard, a highly touted recruit, came to prominence as a quarterback at Kansas State. His high school career was marked by exceptional performances and leadership, catching the eyes of college scouts across the nation. He had always been a standout player, known for his strong arm, accuracy, and football IQ. However, it wasn’t until his time at Kansas State that he truly began to turn heads, showing that he was capable of handling the pressures of college football.

His success at Kansas State solidified his place as one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks of his class. As a dual-threat quarterback, he was able to make plays with both his arm and his legs, something that made him incredibly dangerous. By the time Howard entered the transfer portal, there were numerous suitors, with Ohio State being one of the most prominent programs to show interest. For Howard, the move to Ohio State was the next step in his pursuit of becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Understanding Will Howard’s Confidence

Howard’s belief that he is the “best quarterback in this class” stems from several factors, including his previous performances, his development as a player, and his mindset heading into Ohio State. The confidence that Howard exudes is crucial for a quarterback, a position that demands leadership, poise, and mental toughness. Quarterbacks are often viewed as the face of a program, and Howard seems to be fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the position.

One of the most important elements of Howard’s confidence is his sense of self-assurance. A quarterback who can lead with confidence, not only on the field but also in the locker room, is a valuable asset to any program. For Howard, believing that he is the best in his class doesn’t just stem from his raw physical talent, but also from his understanding of the game and his mental preparedness.

The Skill Set that Sets Will Howard Apart

At the core of Howard’s belief that he is the best quarterback in his class is his skill set. When breaking down what makes Howard such a standout player, several key attributes come to the forefront: his arm strength, his accuracy, his ability to read defenses, and his leadership. Each of these qualities is critical to his success as a quarterback.

Arm Strength and Accuracy

Perhaps one of Howard’s most defining traits is his arm strength. Quarterbacks with a cannon for an arm can make throws that others simply cannot. Howard has consistently demonstrated his ability to launch deep passes with accuracy and velocity. This allows him to stretch the field, make explosive plays, and force defenses to stay honest.

However, what truly sets Howard apart is his ability to pair his arm strength with accuracy. Having a strong arm is important, but the ability to place the ball exactly where it needs to be—whether it’s threading a needle between defenders, hitting a receiver in stride on a deep route, or delivering a perfect fade pass in the corner of the end zone—is what separates elite quarterbacks from those with potential.

Howard has displayed an uncanny ability to make all the throws required of a modern quarterback. His mechanics and decision-making in the pocket allow him to deliver passes with both power and precision. This skill is crucial at a program like Ohio State, which regularly runs a high-powered offense that demands quick decision-making and precision passing.

Mobility and Dual-Threat Ability

Another factor that contributes to Howard’s belief in himself is his ability to make plays with his legs. As a dual-threat quarterback, Howard is capable of extending plays and taking advantage of open space. While he may not be a run-first quarterback, his ability to tuck the ball and run when needed adds an important dimension to his game. In today’s college football landscape, dual-threat quarterbacks are increasingly valuable, as their ability to stretch the defense both through the air and on the ground makes them incredibly difficult to defend.

Howard’s ability to evade pressure and pick up yards with his legs also speaks to his football IQ. Understanding when to stay in the pocket and when to use his legs allows him to maximize his potential as a quarterback. This ability to balance both passing and running opens up opportunities for Howard to make plays in a variety of ways, giving him a distinct advantage over other quarterbacks who may be limited to one skill set.

Leadership and Mental Toughness

Perhaps the most important element in Howard’s belief that he is the best quarterback in his class is his leadership and mental toughness. A quarterback must be able to perform under pressure, motivate teammates, and maintain poise when the game is on the line. Howard has proven time and again that he possesses these qualities.

Leadership on and off the field is something that cannot be overstated when evaluating a quarterback. Howard has shown that he can be the leader of a team, commanding respect from his teammates while elevating the play of those around him. In crucial moments, when the game is on the line, Howard has the ability to remain calm and make the necessary plays to win. This ability to stay composed under pressure is one of the hallmarks of a top-tier quarterback.

Mental toughness also comes into play when facing adversity. Football is a physically demanding sport, and quarterbacks often face criticism and scrutiny, especially when their teams are not performing at the highest level. Howard has shown that he has the resilience and confidence to push through tough situations, making him even more dangerous as a quarterback. His mentality is one of a winner, and it’s this mindset that drives his belief in himself.

Howard’s Development at Ohio State

As Howard prepares to make his mark at Ohio State, there’s no doubt that the coaching staff will help him continue to develop and refine his skills. Ohio State has a long track record of producing elite quarterbacks, and Howard has a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game. Under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Corey Dennis, Howard will have the chance to fine-tune his game, which only adds to his confidence.

Ohio State’s reputation for developing quarterbacks is another reason why Howard feels like the best in his class. With a system that has consistently produced successful quarterbacks in recent years—such as Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud—it’s clear that Ohio State is a place where quarterbacks can reach their full potential. Howard knows that the program’s commitment to excellence and player development will only elevate his game.

Why Confidence Matters in College Football

In college football, confidence is key—especially at the quarterback position. A quarterback’s confidence not only impacts his own performance but can also inspire his teammates and instill a belief in the entire team. When a quarterback walks into the huddle with the mindset that he is the best, it has a trickle-down effect. Teammates feed off that energy, and a confident quarterback has the ability to elevate the play of everyone around him.

For Howard, his belief that he is the best quarterback in the class is not just about boasting or arrogance. It’s about setting a high standard for himself and his teammates. When a player has this level of self-assurance, it motivates the entire team to perform at a higher level. Howard’s confidence gives Ohio State fans a glimpse of the potential he brings to the program and what he expects to accomplish during his time with the Buckeyes.

Conclusion: Will Howard’s Confidence Translate to Success?

Will Howard’s declaration that he is the best quarterback in his class is a bold statement, but it’s one that is backed by his talent, leadership, and mindset. As he embarks on his career at Ohio State, his skill set and mental toughness will be tested in one of the most competitive conferences in college football. However, with his combination of arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and leadership, Howard has all the tools necessary to succeed at the highest level.

While confidence is important, it’s the ability to back up that confidence with consistent performance that will ultimately determine Howard’s place among the elite quarterbacks in college football. With the right development, coaching, and support from his teammates, there’s no doubt that Howard has the potential to prove that he is, in fact, the best quarterback in his class. Only time will tell if Howard’s belief in himself translates to success on the field, but one thing is clear: he’s not lacking for self-confidence, and that’s a trait that will serve him well as he continues to chase greatness.