Ohio State QB - A Look At The Quarterback Picture

The landscape for the Ohio State Buckeyes at the quarterback position has seen some truly significant shifts recently, with a familiar face moving on and new hopefuls stepping up to the challenge. It’s a period of real change for the team, as they look to build on past successes and find the next individual to lead their offense on the field. The departure of a key player, who brought a national championship home, certainly leaves a big opening that everyone is watching with keen interest.

This transition means the Buckeyes are, in a way, facing the task of finding their third starting quarterback in as many seasons, especially as we look toward the 2025 football calendar. The transfer portal, you know, has played a part in this, with a couple of promising young players deciding to explore other opportunities, which does thin out the group of signal-callers a little bit.

Even with these changes, the cupboard is certainly not bare. The team still has, in some respects, a collection of young, really talented quarterbacks who are quite eager to grab hold of the starting job. It makes for a very interesting situation, full of potential and, well, a little bit of mystery about who will ultimately step into that important role.

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Getting to Know Will Howard - A Recent Ohio State QB Star

Will Howard, a name many college football fans have come to recognize, has actually made quite a journey through the world of college athletics. He’s a professional football quarterback now, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, which is pretty neat. His path to the pros involved playing college football for two different, well-known programs: Kansas State and, of course, the Ohio State Buckeyes. His time at Ohio State was, in some respects, relatively brief but certainly left a lasting impression, especially when you consider what he helped the team achieve.

He was a key part of the Ohio State team that managed to win the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2025, which is a pretty big deal. Not only did the team win that important game, but Will Howard himself was recognized as the offensive Most Valuable Player for that championship contest, which really speaks to his performance on that particular day. His college career came to a close after that, as he had used up all of his eligibility, paving the way for him to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, a dream for many young athletes.

Will Howard - Personal Details

DetailInformation
Current TeamPittsburgh Steelers
College TeamsKansas State, Ohio State
Age23 years old
NFL Draft2025, 6th Round, 185th Pick
College Career LengthFour years at Kansas State, one final season at Ohio State
Key AchievementsCFP National Champion (2025 with Ohio State), Offensive MVP (CFP National Championship), Big 12 Champion (2022 with Kansas State)
Ohio State RecordsCompletion percentage, touchdown passes, CFP consecutive completions, passer rating

His story really takes a turn when he decided to transfer to Ohio State from Kansas State. This move, you know, brought a lot of attention, and it turned out to be a really good fit for him and the Buckeyes. He was instrumental in guiding the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024, which is a slightly different year than the one mentioned earlier for the win, but it shows his immediate impact. He truly made his mark in the record books during his time with the Buckeyes. He set new Ohio State records for things like completion percentage and the number of touchdown passes thrown. Beyond the school records, he also established College Football Playoff records for consecutive completions and for passer rating, which really highlights his precision and effectiveness in those high-stakes situations. He was, quite simply, a very productive player for them.

Before his time in Columbus, Will Howard was also a standout at Kansas State. He holds the school record there for the most touchdown passes, which is a testament to his abilities even before he joined the Buckeyes. He was also the leader of the Wildcats team that captured the Big 12 championship in 2022, so he certainly has a background of success and leading teams to important victories. His arrival at Ohio State was met with a lot of anticipation, and he was expected to be a real leader for the Buckeyes' offense in 2024, which he more or less was.

What Did Will Howard Bring to Ohio State's Offense?

When Will Howard arrived at Ohio State, there was a lot of talk about what he would add to the team’s offensive capabilities. He was, after all, a Kansas State transfer who had already shown he could lead a successful program. Ryan Day, the Ohio State coach, hadn't actually named a starting quarterback for the 2024 season right after the spring game, which, you know, left a bit of suspense. However, Will Howard was definitely seen as the one to beat in that competition. He was, in a way, leading the race for the starting spot, even with other talented players like Devin Brown, Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Air Noland also in the mix.

Then, the official word came out: Will Howard would indeed start the first game of the season against Akron. Coach Day made that announcement after a team practice session, which, honestly, settled a lot of speculation. Howard really became a crucial piece of the puzzle for the national champion Buckeyes in 2024. His presence, his experience, and his ability to perform under pressure were all elements that contributed to the team's success. He was, basically, the expected choice to win the job, being the only one with extensive starting experience at a major college program. His performance really helped shape the team's journey to a championship, and that’s a pretty big contribution.

With Will Howard moving on to the professional ranks, the Ohio State Buckeyes now have some really big shoes to fill at the quarterback position. His departure to the NFL this spring means the team is, in a way, starting a new chapter in its offensive leadership. This situation presents a significant challenge for the Buckeyes, as they will be looking to find their third starting quarterback in as many seasons for the 2025 season, which is a rather quick turnaround for such an important role. It’s a testament, you know, to the constant cycle of college football and the need to always be developing new talent.

The situation has been made a little more complicated by some recent movements in the transfer portal. Both Devin Brown and Air Noland, who were considered part of the quarterback depth, decided to enter the transfer portal. This means they are looking for new opportunities elsewhere, which, in turn, has made the Buckeyes’ quarterback depth chart a bit thinner than it might otherwise be. It’s a common occurrence in college football these days, where players seek out situations where they might get more playing time or a clearer path to a starting role. So, the team has to adjust to these changes and focus on the talent that remains.

Who's in the Mix for the Ohio State QB Role?

Even with the departures, the Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback group still has some very promising talent. While the depth chart might be a little thin on paper after the transfer portal movements, it definitely boasts two young quarterbacks who are seen as highly talented and quite eager to take on the starting role. These are rising sophomore Julian Sayin and redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz. They represent the next generation of signal-callers for the Buckeyes, and their development will be, well, something very important to watch.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day has been pretty open about the competition for the starting quarterback spot. After the spring game, he had not actually named a definitive starter for the 2024 season, indicating that the competition was still very much ongoing. While Will Howard was ultimately named the starter for the first game, the initial open competition showed that the coaching staff was really evaluating everyone. The mix for the job initially included Will Howard, of course, but also Devin Brown, Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Air Noland. With some of those names now elsewhere, the focus shifts even more to Sayin and Kienholz as the primary contenders for the future.

How Has the Ohio State QB Narrative Changed Over Time?

For a long time, Ohio State wasn’t always thought of as a place that consistently produced top-tier quarterbacks, or, you know, a "quarterback factory" as some might call it. That narrative, however, has actually shifted pretty dramatically in recent years. The team has seen a series of really talented quarterbacks come through the program, and their success has certainly changed how people view Ohio State’s ability to develop players at that crucial position. This change in perception is, in a way, a testament to the coaching staff and the recruiting efforts that have brought in and honed such skilled players.

The recent decisions by two of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterbacks to enter the transfer portal, Devin Brown and Air Noland, highlight the dynamic nature of college football. Both players decided to, in a sense, test their market and look for what they believed would be better situations for the 2025 season. This sort of movement is, well, pretty common in today's college football landscape. It means that even with a strong program, players will seek out opportunities that best suit their individual aspirations, which can lead to constant adjustments for the coaching staff as they manage the roster.

Will Howard's Professional Steps - Beyond the Ohio State QB Field

After a college career that saw him make a real impact, Will Howard took the next step in his football journey by entering the professional ranks. The 2025 NFL Draft, a very exciting time for many young athletes, began on a Thursday night with its first round, and Will Howard was certainly a name many were watching for. He was, in a way, a part of the next wave of talent heading to the professional level. His selection was a significant moment for him, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the sport.

In the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the 185th pick overall, selected the former Ohio State quarterback, Will Howard. This pick, you know, brought him to a storied franchise with a rich history. At 23 years old, Howard brought a good amount of college experience with him. He had started his college career at Kansas State, spending four years there before making the big decision to transfer to Ohio State for what would be his final season of college eligibility. That last season with the Buckeyes, of course, culminated in leading the team to the national championship in 2024, which is a pretty incredible way to finish a college career. He was, in essence, a player with a lot of experience and a track record of success.

A Look Back - Will Howard's Memorable Moments as Ohio State QB

Will Howard’s time as the Ohio State quarterback certainly had its share of memorable moments, especially considering the ultimate team success. After the Ohio State Buckeyes clinched the College Football Playoff title, he was, quite understandably, at a loss for words. That kind of victory, you know, is something many players dream of their entire lives, and to achieve it is a really overwhelming experience. His reaction really captured the emotion and the sheer joy that comes with reaching the pinnacle of college football. It was, in a way, a very human moment amidst all the celebration.

One particular image that stands out from his time on the field as the Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback is from the first half of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game. He was seen throwing the football against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. He was wearing jersey number 18, and that game was, well, a crucial step on the path to the championship. These moments, like throwing passes in a high-stakes playoff game, are what, in some respects, define a quarterback's legacy at a program like Ohio State. He was, basically, a significant part of those important victories that led to the national title.

What Does the Future Hold for the Ohio State QB Position?

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the weight of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback job is expected to fall squarely on the shoulders of Julian Sayin. This means he will be stepping into a really prominent role, especially as Ohio State turns to its youngest starter since C.J. Stroud took the reins back in 2021. It’s a lot of pressure for a young player, but it also speaks to the confidence the coaching staff has in his abilities. This sort of transition is, in a way, a familiar one for the Buckeyes, who have seen talented young players step up and perform at a high level.

The expectation for Sayin to lead the offense in 2025 suggests a clear path for him, especially with other players having moved on. The comparison to C.J. Stroud, who went on to have a fantastic career at Ohio State and then in the NFL, really sets a high bar. It implies that Sayin is seen as having that kind of potential and the capability to handle the immense scrutiny and expectations that come with being the starting quarterback for a program like Ohio State. The future of the Ohio State QB position, in some respects, looks to be in very capable young hands.

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