Will Howard Makes a Clear Statement Regarding the Replacement of Ohio State’s Quarterback

The quarterback position is often considered the most important on the football field, and in the world of college football, no position gets as much attention, scrutiny, or praise. When the Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2024 season, all eyes were on their quarterback position, a spot that had become a topic of discussion following the departure of their previous star signal-caller, C.J. Stroud, to the NFL. Stroud, who had led the Buckeyes to a series of near-championship seasons, left big shoes to fill. This created a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the team’s future at quarterback. However, one player had long been in the mix to take the reins: Will Howard.

Will Howard, who had served as a backup in previous seasons and had learned from both Stroud and Ohio State’s esteemed coaching staff, was well-prepared for the challenge. As the Buckeyes’ quarterback battle ramped up, Howard’s performance, leadership, and understanding of the game led to a statement that made it clear: he was ready to lead Ohio State into the new era.

A New Beginning: The Post-Stroud Era

The Buckeyes’ quarterback position has been a hotbed for NFL talent in recent years, and C.J. Stroud continued the tradition of elite quarterbacks coming from Ohio State. The departure of Stroud left fans wondering who would step up to fill the void. There were several promising options on the roster, including Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, two young quarterbacks who had seen limited action behind Stroud. But the one name that emerged and seemed destined for the starting role was Will Howard.

Howard had spent much of his career as a backup quarterback for the Buckeyes. As the backup to Stroud, he was afforded the opportunity to learn the intricacies of Ohio State’s offense, develop under one of the best coaching staffs in the country, and refine his skills as a quarterback. Despite being a backup, Howard made the most of every opportunity he had to contribute, whether it was through mop-up duty or learning from his veteran teammates.

When Stroud left for the NFL, there was a sense of anticipation and uncertainty around the quarterback position. Ohio State had a tradition of developing some of the top quarterbacks in college football, and the next player to take that mantle had big shoes to fill. While McCord and Brown had potential, Howard quickly became the frontrunner in the quarterback race due to his composure, leadership, and overall ability to lead an offense.

Will Howard’s Statement: Ready for the Spotlight

When the time came for Howard to step forward as a potential starter, he didn’t shy away from the pressure. In an interview during the offseason, Howard made it clear that he was not just preparing for a starting role but was determined to seize the moment and excel. The pressure was on, as expectations for the Buckeyes remained sky-high, and the team needed someone who could quickly lead them to another potential Big Ten title and national championship contention.

“I know there’s a lot of talk about who will take the next step at quarterback, but I’m not focused on the noise,” Howard said. “I’ve learned from the best, and now it’s my time. Ohio State has high expectations every year, and I’m ready to help the team get to where we want to be. This offense is built for success, and I’m going to do my part to make sure we execute at the highest level.”

This statement marked a turning point for Howard. While his teammates and coaches had long respected him for his work ethic and football IQ, this was the moment when Howard declared his readiness to take command of the team. It was no longer about waiting for the starting job to fall into his lap — it was about owning it and making it his own.

The Quarterback Battle: Howard vs. McCord vs. Brown

Despite Howard’s strong statement, he was not handed the starting job. Ohio State’s quarterback battle was fierce, with McCord and Brown pushing for the opportunity to start in 2024. McCord, who had seen some action as Stroud’s backup and had displayed moments of brilliance, was a highly rated recruit and had a strong skill set. Brown, a dual-threat quarterback known for his athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs, also seemed like an intriguing option to lead the offense.

However, Howard’s leadership and poise under pressure ultimately separated him from the pack. In the team’s fall camp, Howard demonstrated a consistency that earned the confidence of both his coaches and teammates. His ability to manage the game, make quick decisions under pressure, and stay calm in difficult situations stood out. Whether it was leading the offense in practice or in scrimmages, Howard displayed the kind of maturity and composure that made him the clear front-runner in the race for the starting job.

“Will has done everything we’ve asked of him,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day during the quarterback evaluation process. “He’s shown growth, leadership, and an ability to handle the pressure. We know he has the tools, but it’s about leadership, and Will has stepped up in that regard.”

Even McCord and Brown, who both had impressive moments during the competition, were quick to acknowledge Howard’s superior ability to manage the offense. McCord, in particular, praised Howard’s experience and the leadership qualities that had set him apart.

“I’ve learned a lot from Will,” McCord said. “He’s been a great mentor and a great leader. His experience has been invaluable, and we all support him. Whoever wins the job, we’re all Buckeyes, and we’re all in it together.”

Howard’s Strengths: What Sets Him Apart

What set Howard apart from the other quarterbacks in the race was not just his raw talent but his ability to read defenses, understand the nuances of Ohio State’s offense, and manage the game. As a backup, Howard had spent countless hours in the film room, learning from Stroud and analyzing how defenses would attack different offensive schemes. This gave him an edge in understanding defensive strategies and identifying weaknesses.

Howard’s accuracy, especially on short and intermediate throws, was also one of his strongest traits. His ability to make quick decisions in the pocket and throw the ball with precision allowed Ohio State’s offense to stay on schedule and avoid costly mistakes. While Howard wasn’t necessarily the most athletic quarterback in terms of mobility or speed, his ability to stand tall in the pocket and deliver accurate passes under pressure was a significant advantage.

Additionally, Howard’s leadership was unmatched. While McCord and Brown may have had the physical tools, Howard had an innate ability to rally his teammates, command respect in the huddle, and inspire confidence in his offensive line and receiving corps. As a result, Howard became the heart and soul of the Buckeyes’ offense heading into the 2024 season.

His experience with Ohio State’s offensive system also gave him a crucial advantage over McCord and Brown. While the other quarterbacks were still adjusting to the system, Howard had already mastered it. This familiarity allowed him to make quicker decisions, identify mismatches, and lead the offense more efficiently. In an offense that features playmakers across the field, from star wide receivers to a solid running back committee, Howard’s ability to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers was a crucial factor in his rise to the starting position.

Howard’s Impact on the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes

With Howard officially named the starting quarterback for the 2024 season, the focus shifted to how he would impact the team’s championship aspirations. Ohio State was loaded with talent, from an elite defense to dynamic skill players on offense. However, the quarterback position is often the linchpin in a team’s success, and Howard was determined to make sure he was up to the challenge.

In his first few games as the starter, Howard demonstrated exactly why the coaching staff had confidence in him. His ability to lead the offense, maintain control of the game, and make crucial throws in clutch situations helped Ohio State win big games early in the season. Howard’s leadership and poise under pressure gave the team confidence and allowed the Buckeyes to continue their pursuit of a Big Ten title and potential College Football Playoff berth.

Howard also quickly developed strong chemistry with Ohio State’s receiving corps. His ability to distribute the ball effectively to players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka made the passing attack one of the most explosive in the country. With his balanced approach of distributing the ball to multiple playmakers while also establishing a strong running game, Howard was quickly becoming the centerpiece of the offense.

A Clear Future Ahead

By making his intentions clear in the offseason and stepping up during the quarterback battle, Will Howard had not only solidified his role as Ohio State’s starting quarterback but had also proven that he was ready to handle the pressures of leading one of the most storied programs in college football. His leadership, combined with his on-field talent, made it clear that Howard was ready for the spotlight — and Ohio State fans could rest easy knowing they had a quarterback capable of taking them to new heights.

With the NFL Draft still a couple of years away, Will Howard’s future is bright, and he has already made a statement to the football world: he is here to lead Ohio State and prove that the Buckeyes’ quarterback legacy is in great hands.