Breaking: Five-Star QB Will Howard Flips Commitment from Ohio State to Tennessee Volunteers

flipping Breaking News: Five-Star QB Will Howard Flips Commitment from Ohio State to Tennessee Volunteers

In a stunning turn of events, five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially flipped his commitment from the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Tennessee Volunteers, sending shockwaves through the college football recruiting world. Howard, regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, had initially committed to Ohio State in a highly publicized decision months ago, but his recent change of heart opens up a new chapter in the recruiting saga for both schools.

This decision not only affects Howard’s future but also has major ramifications for the national college football landscape. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound signal-caller from Kansas City, Missouri, is known for his cannon arm, athleticism, and strong decision-making. Howard’s recruitment has been under a microscope for months, and with his decision to commit to Tennessee, the Volunteers now find themselves with one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the class.

The Recruitment Journey of Will Howard

Howard’s recruitment journey began in earnest during his sophomore year of high school. As a young quarterback with an impressive combination of size, arm strength, and mobility, he quickly gained the attention of college scouts across the nation. His rise to prominence was marked by several high-profile performances, culminating in his breakout junior season, where he threw for over 3,500 yards and 40 touchdowns. Scouts praised Howard for his ability to make throws at every level of the field, from deep bombs down the sideline to quick, accurate throws over the middle.

Several programs, including Ohio State, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, made Howard a top priority in their 2025 recruiting classes. As a result, Howard’s recruitment became one of the most sought-after in recent years.

After taking official visits to a variety of schools, Howard initially shocked many when he committed to Ohio State in December 2024. The Buckeyes, with their history of developing elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, seemed like the perfect fit for Howard, who is known for his ability to deliver in a high-powered passing attack.

Ohio State’s offensive system, which has consistently produced first-round draft picks at the quarterback position, had long been a major selling point for Howard. The Buckeyes appeared to have the inside track, and many expected Howard to remain solid in his commitment. However, as the months passed, rumors began to swirl about a potential flip. These whispers intensified after Howard took a visit to Knoxville, Tennessee, during the spring recruiting period.

The Tennessee Factor

Tennessee’s program, under head coach Josh Heupel, has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years. After a string of disappointing seasons, the Volunteers have rebounded with a potent offensive system that has propelled them into national prominence. Heupel, known for his fast-paced, high-scoring offense, has cultivated a reputation for developing quarterbacks who can thrive in up-tempo, pass-heavy systems. This system has attracted top quarterbacks, including Hendon Hooker, who led Tennessee to a standout season in 2022.

The Volunteers had been recruiting Howard heavily for several months, and the decision to visit Tennessee in the spring was a signal to many that the program wasn’t backing down in their pursuit of the talented quarterback. Howard’s official visit to Knoxville seemed to change the trajectory of his recruitment. Heupel and his staff, including offensive coordinator Joey Halzle, made a compelling pitch to Howard, emphasizing how well he would fit into their system.

During his visit, Howard was able to connect with current players, including quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who is already regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in college football despite being just a freshman. The opportunity to learn under Iamaleava and eventually take over the reins in what promises to be one of the most exciting offenses in college football was undoubtedly a major selling point.

Moreover, Tennessee’s strong recent performances on the recruiting trail, bolstered by Heupel’s offensive philosophy, put the Volunteers in a prime position to convince Howard that Knoxville was the place for him. With elite receivers and a fast-paced offense, Tennessee’s appeal grew stronger by the day.

The Flip: How It Happened

In a move that shocked many, Howard announced via social media that he was de-committing from Ohio State and pledging his allegiance to the Tennessee Volunteers. The announcement was met with an outpouring of excitement from Tennessee fans, many of whom had long hoped for a commitment from the highly sought-after quarterback.

Howard’s decision to flip was not one made lightly. Sources close to the situation indicate that Howard had multiple conversations with both Ohio State and Tennessee coaches leading up to his final decision. The flip was seen as a result of several factors, including Howard’s belief in Tennessee’s long-term trajectory under Heupel, the opportunity to play in an up-tempo system, and the strong personal relationships he built with the coaching staff during his visits.

Howard’s decision represents a massive win for Tennessee’s recruiting efforts, which have been steadily gaining momentum. The Volunteers have positioned themselves as one of the top programs in college football, and landing a quarterback of Howard’s caliber solidifies their standing as a national powerhouse. Howard will now have the chance to compete for a starting role at Tennessee, following in the footsteps of Heupel’s previous successes with quarterbacks.

For Ohio State, the news is undoubtedly a blow. The Buckeyes had invested significant time and energy into recruiting Howard, and his flip puts a dent in their plans for the 2025 class. Ohio State had been hoping to continue its legacy of elite quarterback play, but now the Buckeyes will need to regroup and search for another quarterback to lead their program moving forward.

The Impact on College Football

Will Howard’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Tennessee has reverberations beyond just the two programs involved. With the 2025 quarterback class being one of the deepest in recent memory, Howard’s commitment to Tennessee adds another layer of intrigue to the already competitive race for college football supremacy.

Tennessee, armed with Howard, now has one of the most dynamic recruiting classes in the country. In addition to Howard, the Volunteers have secured commitments from several top-tier prospects on both sides of the ball. This influx of talent positions Tennessee as one of the top teams to watch in the coming years.

Meanwhile, Ohio State will likely turn their attention to other quarterback prospects, with a renewed focus on securing a top-tier signal-caller to maintain their offensive prowess. Despite this setback, Ohio State remains a recruiting juggernaut, and they are sure to be in the mix for several other high-profile quarterbacks in the 2025 class.

On a broader scale, Howard’s flip adds another layer of drama to the ongoing battle for supremacy in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Tennessee, a program on the rise, now has a major piece in place for the future, which could help elevate them to new heights in an already competitive conference. The SEC, with its powerhouse teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU, will now have to contend with a Tennessee squad that is poised to challenge for championships in the coming years.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Howard?

With his commitment to Tennessee official, Howard’s next steps will likely include preparing for his senior season of high school football. The 2025 season will be crucial for Howard as he continues to refine his skills and get ready for the college level. Howard is expected to enroll at Tennessee early, allowing him to participate in spring practices and get a head start in the Volunteers’ quarterback competition.

The presence of Iamaleava at Tennessee, combined with the opportunity to learn from Heupel’s coaching staff, should provide Howard with all the tools he needs to succeed at the next level. If Howard’s high school performance is any indication, he is more than ready to compete at the highest levels of college football.

As Howard settles into his new role with Tennessee, all eyes will be on how his commitment impacts the broader recruiting landscape and what the future holds for both him and the Volunteers. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in college football’s coming seasons, with Howard’s arrival in Knoxville marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the Tennessee Volunteers’ storied history.