Breaking: 5-Star QB Will Howard Flips From Ohio State to Tennessee, Chooses Vols Over Kentucky and Florida State

The college football landscape has just been rocked by one of the most significant recruiting flips of the cycle. Will Howard, the highly-coveted five-star quarterback from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, has decommitted from Ohio State and announced that he will now play his college football at the University of Tennessee. At 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, Howard is widely regarded as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the 2025 class, and his sudden decision to join the Volunteers over the Kentucky Wildcats and Florida State Seminoles has sent shockwaves through the SEC and beyond.

Howard’s flip was not widely expected, as the elite signal-caller had been committed to the Buckeyes for several months and had publicly stated his satisfaction with the coaching staff and offensive scheme in Columbus. But in a sport where momentum, relationships, and vision can change everything in an instant, Tennessee’s persistence and strategic recruitment ultimately swayed Howard’s decision. The Volunteers, under head coach Josh Heupel, have now landed a program-altering prospect who could be the centerpiece of their offense for years to come.

Tennessee’s offense under Heupel is fast, explosive, and quarterback-friendly—something that surely appealed to a player of Howard’s profile. With his size, arm strength, and mobility, Howard is considered a prototype for the modern quarterback. He can make every throw on the field and has shown an advanced understanding of coverages and pressure recognition. Scouts have routinely praised his ability to extend plays, throw with velocity from different arm angles, and his poise in big moments. In fact, his performances at national showcases and elite camps have only solidified his status as one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in high school football.

Howard’s commitment is more than just a win on paper for Tennessee. It signals a seismic shift in recruiting power dynamics across the SEC and the nation. Not only did the Vols flip a top-tier prospect away from Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State, but they also beat out two prominent programs in their own recruiting region—Kentucky and Florida State. Both the Wildcats and Seminoles were heavily involved until the end, with Florida State in particular believed to be a serious contender as recently as last week. But in the end, Knoxville is where Howard saw his future.

Sources close to the recruitment say that Tennessee’s ability to offer immediate development, a clear path to starting snaps, and a strong NIL presence were all contributing factors. Howard is expected to compete for the starting job as early as his freshman year, and he enters a quarterback room that has been shaped by Heupel’s ability to develop talent quickly. The recent success stories under Heupel’s watch have not gone unnoticed, and Howard’s camp reportedly believes the offensive system is tailor-made for a player of his skill set.

In a statement posted to social media, Howard thanked Ohio State for its recruitment and the relationships he built there but expressed excitement about his future as a Volunteer. “I want to thank the Ohio State coaching staff, fans, and everyone involved in recruiting me. It was a hard decision, but after a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to the University of Tennessee. I believe in what Coach Heupel and his staff are building, and I can’t wait to be a part of it. Go Vols!”

The news has been met with celebration across Rocky Top, as Tennessee fans and alumni flooded social media with messages of support and excitement. The impact of landing a quarterback of Howard’s caliber can’t be overstated. It energizes the current roster, strengthens the recruiting pitch for offensive weapons across the country, and makes a statement that Tennessee is back to competing for blue-chip talent at the highest level.

For the Ohio State Buckeyes, Howard’s decommitment is a significant blow. The Buckeyes had envisioned Howard as their quarterback of the future, and now they must pivot quickly to address the sudden gap in their 2025 recruiting class. Ohio State will undoubtedly still attract high-end talent, but losing a five-star quarterback in such a dramatic fashion will sting, especially as the program looks to reestablish itself as a perennial playoff contender in the new-look Big Ten.

Meanwhile, Kentucky and Florida State will also feel the sting of coming so close to landing a franchise-altering talent. Both programs pitched early playing time and strong offensive support systems, but ultimately, they were outmatched by Tennessee’s full-court press. Howard reportedly built strong bonds with both coaching staffs, and there’s no doubt that both schools will now reevaluate their quarterback targets heading into the summer.

The ripple effects of this decision will stretch far beyond just the quarterback position. Tennessee’s receiver and offensive line targets are now likely to view Knoxville in an even more favorable light, knowing that they could be catching passes or blocking for one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Recruits want to play alongside elite talent, and Howard’s presence can elevate the status of an entire class.

For Heupel and his staff, this is a validation of the aggressive recruiting approach they’ve adopted since arriving in Knoxville. Building momentum on the trail, especially in the ultra-competitive SEC, requires not only identifying talent but also maintaining consistent and meaningful relationships with players and their families. Tennessee did just that with Howard, even while he was committed elsewhere. The long-term vision, the culture, and the offensive identity Heupel is creating were enough to pull Howard away from a program that has been in the College Football Playoff conversation every year.

In terms of on-field impact, Howard brings a rare blend of size and athleticism that can change the complexion of games. He’s not just a traditional drop-back passer—he has the ability to run designed quarterback power plays, read-option concepts, and off-schedule scramble drills that frustrate defenses. In today’s college football world, quarterbacks who can create outside the structure are highly valued, and Howard checks every box.

There will naturally be questions about how quickly he can adapt to the speed of the college game, and how he’ll handle the pressure of being a high-profile recruit in the SEC spotlight. But Howard has shown mental toughness throughout his high school career and has thrived in big moments. He’s a competitor, a leader, and someone who embraces the expectations that come with being a five-star quarterback.

Tennessee’s quarterback room now looks as promising as it has in years. The Vols have assembled a mix of experienced veterans, developing talent, and now an elite recruit who may soon take over the reins. The roadmap for Howard could resemble that of other freshmen who played early in high-profile programs, and depending on how fall camp unfolds, there’s even a chance that he could see action sooner than expected.

Recruiting battles of this magnitude are rarely won without intense effort, and Tennessee’s staff deserves credit for remaining committed to Howard even after his initial pledge to Ohio State. The relationships built with offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and quarterback coach Mitch Militello reportedly played a pivotal role in keeping the door open, and once Howard became open to a flip, Tennessee wasted no time solidifying its pitch.

The bigger picture is clear: Tennessee is serious about contending on the national stage again. The addition of Will Howard is not just a one-time recruiting win—it’s a signal to the rest of the college football world that the Vols are back in the race for elite talent, that their program is ascending, and that they are building the foundation for long-term success.

For now, Tennessee fans will savor this moment, one that may define the future of their football program. The commitment of a five-star quarterback is always cause for celebration, but when that quarterback flips from a national power like Ohio State, it carries even more significance. This is a win that goes beyond the rankings—it’s a statement of intent, a message that Tennessee is ready to play with the big boys again.

So welcome to Knoxville, Will Howard. The expectations will be high, the spotlight will be bright, but the opportunity to make history is right in front of you. And for the Volunteers, the future just got a whole lot more exciting.