The Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 offseason saw them add rookie quarterback Clayton Tune as part of their effort to address their future at the quarterback position. Tune, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has already started to gain attention for his potential and skill set, with many observers eager to see how he fits into the Cardinals’ rebuilding phase. However, the narrative surrounding Tune isn’t just about his transition from college to the NFL, but rather the journey he shares with another promising quarterback prospect—Will Howard.
Will Howard, a quarterback from Kansas State University, entered the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the more highly anticipated prospects. His development over the course of his college career and his performance in the Big 12 made him a notable name among scouts and evaluators. Interestingly, both Tune and Howard share certain qualities in their play style, and both did something significant in their final college seasons that could shape their futures in the NFL.
This piece will explore the similarities and differences between these two quarterbacks, focusing on the important aspects of their playing careers, the decisions they made in their final seasons, and how these actions will impact their development as professionals. While Tune and Howard may have taken different paths to the NFL, there’s a shared theme of growth, resilience, and adaptation to change that defines both their stories.
The College Careers of Clayton Tune and Will Howard
To understand the significance of what both quarterbacks did in their final college seasons, it’s important to first take a look at their respective college careers and how each quarterback’s style evolved.
Clayton Tune’s College Career
Clayton Tune’s college journey began at the University of Houston, where he played for the Houston Cougars. Over the course of his career, Tune showcased tremendous growth, particularly in his ability to manage an offense and take on more responsibilities as the team’s leader. His journey to becoming a pro prospect was not without challenges, but his persistence and improvement each year helped him rise up the ranks.
During his senior season, Tune’s performance reached new heights. He completed 72.1% of his passes for 4,099 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions, which was one of the more impressive statistical lines of any quarterback in college football that year. His development as a decision-maker and his ability to navigate the pocket under pressure were the key takeaways from his final season.
What made Tune’s senior year so impressive wasn’t just his numbers, but his ability to elevate his game when it mattered. He played in big games, against top-tier competition, and consistently showed the poise and maturity of an NFL-caliber quarterback. While Tune had his share of struggles in previous seasons, it was his resilience in adapting his game—particularly his decision-making and deep-ball accuracy—that stood out.
Will Howard’s College Career
Will Howard’s college journey was a bit different from Tune’s. Howard played at Kansas State University, where his progression was marked by his ability to develop under the tutelage of head coach Chris Klieman. Howard took a slightly longer path to becoming a top-tier prospect, but like Tune, he showed marked improvements in his final seasons.
Howard had the benefit of playing in a well-structured offense that prioritized both passing and a balanced ground game. His junior and senior years were particularly notable, as he showed an ability to take control of the offense in crucial moments. During his senior season, Howard passed for 3,547 yards and threw 30 touchdowns while only tossing 7 interceptions. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs helped elevate Kansas State’s offense in several high-profile matchups.
While Howard wasn’t quite as statistically prolific as Tune in terms of passing yards, his ability to guide his team in critical situations, including big conference games, made him an intriguing prospect for NFL scouts. His final year in college was characterized by a balanced approach, with Howard effectively distributing the ball while maintaining a low interception rate—something that would prove essential in his NFL evaluation.
The Key Similarity: A Senior Year to Remember
What makes this comparison particularly interesting is that both Tune and Howard did something in their senior seasons that had a major impact on their careers—and the NFL Draft scouts took notice. Both quarterbacks elevated their game and did so in ways that enhanced their stock.
Clayton Tune’s Maturation as a Passer
For Clayton Tune, his senior year wasn’t just about compiling statistics; it was about how he matured as a quarterback. Throughout his college career, Tune showed flashes of brilliance, but he also had his share of inconsistency. What stood out in his final season was his ability to take what the defense gave him and not force throws. He showed great discipline, particularly in the pocket, and his deep-ball accuracy was significantly improved, a key area where he had previously struggled.
Tune also displayed improved timing with his receivers and a better understanding of defensive schemes. The ability to read defenses, anticipate blitzes, and work within the structure of the offense set him apart in his final season. His leadership and poise under pressure were qualities that made him an appealing prospect to NFL teams in need of a developmental quarterback.
Will Howard’s Consistency and Control
Will Howard, similarly, had a standout senior year, one where his consistency was paramount. The key area where Howard excelled was his decision-making. Like Tune, Howard didn’t force passes, instead opting for the safer, more efficient throws. His ability to manage the game, read defenses, and make quick decisions were what stood out the most in his final season at Kansas State.
Perhaps more than anything, Howard demonstrated the ability to adapt to the demands of a high-pressure environment. Kansas State had several key victories in Howard’s senior year, and in each of those games, Howard was a steadying presence. His poise was evident, and he often came through in the clutch moments, leading his team to crucial wins.
Howard’s ability to avoid turnovers and manage the game efficiently was one of the biggest takeaways from his final college season. This is something that the Arizona Cardinals, as well as other NFL teams, will value greatly as he transitions to the professional ranks.
What They Did in Their Senior Seasons: A Comparative Look
Both Tune and Howard did something in their senior years that helped elevate them to NFL draft consideration. The key similarity is that they both honed their skills in areas that had been considered weaknesses in previous seasons.
For Tune, it was his decision-making and deep-ball accuracy that saw significant improvement. He became much more adept at reading defenses and delivering the ball to his playmakers in rhythm. The ability to not only maintain control but also take calculated risks when necessary gave him an edge over other quarterbacks in the draft class.
For Howard, it was his ability to limit mistakes, keep turnovers low, and show command of his offense. Howard wasn’t necessarily flashy, but his efficiency and ability to manage a game made him a steady and reliable quarterback prospect. His performance in big games also proved that he had the mental fortitude to succeed at the next level.
The Future of Clayton Tune and Will Howard
As both quarterbacks head into their professional careers, they will be asked to take what they learned in college and apply it at the next level. For Tune, who joins the Arizona Cardinals, he has the benefit of learning behind an experienced quarterback like Kyler Murray. While it’s uncertain whether Tune will start right away, he will certainly have an opportunity to develop within a system that is still in the early stages of rebuilding.
Similarly, Will Howard will enter a professional setting where he can develop under a stable coaching staff and learn the intricacies of playing at the highest level. Both quarterbacks are likely to start their careers as backups, but if they can continue to improve in the areas they focused on during their final college seasons, they will have a shot at making a significant impact in the NFL.
Clayton Tune and Will Howard represent two quarterbacks who took major strides in their final college seasons, making decisions and adjustments that have positioned them as promising NFL prospects. While their paths to the NFL may differ, the common thread between them is their growth, resilience, and ability to hone their skills in critical areas of their game.
For Tune, his improvements in decision-making and deep-ball accuracy have set him up for success in the NFL. For Howard, his consistency, poise, and ability to manage the game effectively make him a valuable asset. As both quarterbacks enter the professional ranks, the foundation they built in their final college seasons will be crucial to their success in the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals are undoubtedly excited about Clayton Tune’s potential, and as he develops under the mentorship of Kyler Murray, Tune could become an integral part of the team’s future. Similarly, Will Howard’s future looks bright as he enters the NFL with a skill set that’s ready to translate to the next level. Both quarterbacks have shown that they are capable of adapting and improving, which is an essential trait for any player making the leap from college to the pros.
