5-star quarterback Will Howard (6’4″, 236 lbs) has flipped his commitment from the Ohio State Buckeyes and will now be joining the Tennessee Volunteers. He chose Tennessee over the Kentucky Wildcats and Florida State Seminoles. Welcome to the Vols,
In a stunning turn of events that reshapes the 2025 college football recruiting landscape, five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially flipped his commitment from Ohio State to the Tennessee Volunteers. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound signal caller from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, announced his decision on Thursday morning in a social media post that immediately sent shockwaves across the college football world.
Howard had been committed to Ohio State since early January, but after a series of conversations with Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle, the nation’s No. 2 ranked quarterback and top-five overall player decided to change course. Howard chose the Vols over strong late pushes from Kentucky and Florida State.
“I want to thank Ohio State for believing in me,” Howard wrote in his post. “But after much prayer, conversation with my family, and a deep dive into what’s best for my future, I’ve decided to flip my commitment and play my college football at the University of Tennessee.”
A Recruiting Coup for Josh Heupel and the Vols
Landing a quarterback of Will Howard’s caliber is a massive win for Josh Heupel, who continues to stack elite talent on Rocky Top. Known for his dynamic, QB-friendly offense and quarterback development pedigree, Heupel has now secured back-to-back recruiting cycles with top-five national quarterbacks. The success story of Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s 2023 five-star prize who’s now competing for the starting job, was a key element in Howard’s decision.
“Heupel’s offense speaks for itself,” Howard said in an interview shortly after his announcement. “It’s explosive, it’s creative, and it develops quarterbacks for the next level. But more than that, I felt their belief in me. They made it clear I was their guy.”
Tennessee’s coaching staff had never stopped recruiting Howard, even after his verbal to the Buckeyes. While Ohio State led for most of the past year, sources close to the situation say Tennessee’s persistence and personalized attention ultimately won over Howard and his family.
From Columbus to Knoxville: Why the Flip?
Howard had long been seen as a perfect fit for Ohio State’s system, and many viewed his commitment as ironclad. But as the months wore on, questions began to surface about the depth chart, offensive scheme fit, and the evolving nature of NIL opportunities across different programs.
Tennessee offered something different: a clearer path to playing time, a more QB-centric offense, and an environment that Howard described as “authentic.”
“At Tennessee, I saw a place where I could truly thrive,” Howard said. “Not just as a football player, but as a leader, as a student, and as a future pro.”
While Ohio State has a logjam of blue-chip quarterbacks—including five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair and sophomore phenom Devin Brown—Tennessee’s depth chart presents a more streamlined path. Depending on how Nico Iamaleava’s development unfolds, Howard could realistically contend for starting reps as early as 2026.
Physical Tools and Potential
Standing 6’4″ and weighing 236 pounds, Howard possesses a prototypical NFL frame and a cannon for an arm. His deep-ball accuracy, pocket presence, and ability to make off-platform throws have drawn comparisons to Justin Herbert and Josh Allen. As a junior at Downingtown East, he passed for 3,612 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions, while rushing for 582 yards and 9 additional scores.
“He’s a Sunday quarterback playing high school football,” said one scout from Rivals. “He’s got everything you want—size, smarts, arm strength, mobility, and most importantly, leadership. He elevates everyone around him.”
Howard’s commitment gives Tennessee a foundational piece in the 2025 class and instantly elevates the group into the top five nationally. More importantly, it solidifies the Vols’ long-term outlook at quarterback—arguably the most important position in the modern game.
Impact on Tennessee’s Quarterback Room
Howard enters a quarterback room that is currently led by Iamaleava, with redshirt sophomore Jake Merklinger and incoming freshman Mason Champion competing for backup reps. If Iamaleava lives up to his immense potential and heads to the NFL after the 2025 season, Howard could be in line to take over as a true freshman or redshirt freshman in 2026.
“The goal is to play early, but I’m not afraid to wait my turn and learn from the best,” Howard said. “I’ll be ready when my number is called.”
In the Heupel-Halzle offense, Howard’s skillset should shine. The system emphasizes vertical shots, quick tempo, and play-action—elements that fit perfectly with Howard’s strengths as a downfield passer with excellent timing and vision.
Reaction from Around College Football
The news of Howard’s flip sent Twitter/X and recruiting circles into a frenzy. Tennessee fans quickly made “#WelcomeWill” trend nationally, while Ohio State fans expressed disappointment at losing such a prized recruit.
“This is a major blow to Ohio State’s class and their QB pipeline,” said 247Sports recruiting analyst Steve Wiltfong. “But it’s a massive statement by Tennessee. They went into Big Ten territory and took the crown jewel.”
Rival SEC coaches took notice as well. A source close to an SEC East defensive coordinator texted simply: “Uh-oh. Heupel got another one.”
A Family Decision
Howard credits his parents—Tim and Allison Howard—with helping him make the decision. Known for being a humble, grounded family, the Howards took multiple visits to Knoxville over the past six months, both officially and unofficially. The family raved about Tennessee’s facilities, academic support staff, and sense of community.
“Coach Heupel sat in our living room and didn’t sell a dream—he shared a vision,” Tim Howard said. “It wasn’t about hype. It was about development, character, and family. That’s what ultimately made the difference.”
Ripple Effects on Recruiting
Will Howard’s flip could be the beginning of a domino effect. Several top offensive players—especially wide receivers—have been waiting to see where Howard would land. Now that he’s headed to Tennessee, expect movement.
Four-star wide receiver Tyren Gates (CA) and five-star tight end Marcus Silas (FL), both of whom have listed Tennessee among their finalists, are reportedly planning official visits this summer.
“This could be the class that vaults Tennessee into the Playoff tier,” said On3 national writer Charles Power. “You’ve got an elite QB. Now you build the weapons around him.”
What’s Next for Ohio State?
Ohio State must now regroup. The Buckeyes still have a strong quarterback room and the commitment of four-star QB Tavien St. Clair in the 2025 class. But losing Howard stings—especially so close to the summer visit period.
Ryan Day and his staff are expected to turn up the heat on St. Clair and other top uncommitted quarterbacks like Brock Cantrell (TX) and Jalen Smith (CA). But make no mistake: this is a major recruiting loss.
Looking Ahead: What It Means for Tennessee
The arrival of Will Howard signals a new level of momentum for the Tennessee program. After years of being an SEC sleeping giant, the Vols are now an active national player in the recruiting arms race. And they’re doing it at the most important position on the field.
With Nico Iamaleava set to lead Tennessee into the 2025 season and Howard preparing to arrive in 2026, the Vols may have secured their quarterback succession plan for the next five years.
“This is the golden age of Tennessee football returning,” one Vols fan wrote. “Will Howard just made it official.”
For Howard, the work is just beginning. But the message is clear: the Vols are building something special, and one of the best quarterbacks in America wants to be part of it.
