Breaking: Five-Star QB Will Howard Flips Commitment from Ohio State to Tennessee Volunteers

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college football world, five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound signal-caller from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, had been one of the cornerstones of Ohio State’s highly touted 2025 recruiting class, but after much speculation and behind-the-scenes buzz, Howard announced his decision to flip to Tennessee, choosing the Volunteers over final contenders Kentucky and Florida State.

Howard’s decision marks a significant recruiting win for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, who has rapidly elevated the Volunteers’ national recruiting presence since taking over in Knoxville. The addition of Howard gives Tennessee a marquee name under center for the future—a player who brings elite arm talent, physicality, and leadership to a quarterback room that’s already trending in the right direction.

The flip comes just months after Howard publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio State, saying he was “100% locked in.” However, behind closed doors, sources suggest Howard had been quietly reevaluating his options as he continued to build relationships with other coaching staffs. Tennessee, in particular, remained persistent in its pursuit. Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle made Howard a top priority, traveling multiple times to see him throw in person and painting a picture of how he could flourish in their aggressive, quarterback-friendly offensive system.

Howard’s size and athleticism set him apart as a rare prospect. At 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, he already has an NFL-ready frame. His junior season at Downingtown West High School solidified his status as a top-five national recruit. He threw for over 3,200 yards, completed nearly 68 percent of his passes, and tossed 34 touchdowns against just five interceptions. His ability to make plays off-platform, extend drives with his legs, and thread tight windows made him a can’t-miss target for every major Power Five program.

But it wasn’t just the numbers that caught the attention of college scouts—it was Howard’s poise and maturity. Even as a high school junior, he showcased leadership qualities that belied his age. Coaches rave about his attention to detail, relentless film study, and magnetic personality that inspires teammates. All of those traits made him a natural fit at a place like Tennessee, where the program has been building something special with a foundation of discipline, speed, and creativity.

Recruiting insiders say the turning point came during an unofficial visit Howard took to Knoxville earlier this spring. While the trip was low-profile, those close to the situation say he left “blown away” by the facilities, the atmosphere, and—perhaps most importantly—the vision laid out for him by the Tennessee staff. The Volunteers sold him not just on their offense, but on how he could become a legendary figure in the program’s quarterback lineage.

Tennessee’s upward momentum also played a role. The Volunteers have been trending nationally, both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Heupel’s fast-paced offensive system has attracted attention from top skill players, and landing a quarterback like Howard validates their long-term plans. With Nico Iamaleava now preparing to head to the NFL in the near future, the staff made it clear that Howard would have a legitimate shot to compete for the starting job early in his career.

Howard’s flip is a gut punch for Ohio State, who now finds themselves scrambling to fill a crucial void in their 2025 class. The Buckeyes have prided themselves on elite quarterback play, and Howard was supposed to be the next in line. His decommitment leaves a noticeable gap, and although there are other targets on the board, few possess the complete skillset that Howard brings.

Meanwhile, Tennessee fans are rejoicing. The buzz around Knoxville is palpable, and the program’s social media channels have already lit up with excitement following the announcement. Howard’s commitment sends a message to recruits nationwide that Tennessee is no longer just an SEC contender—it’s a legitimate landing spot for top-tier talent looking to make an early impact.

The recruiting victory is also symbolic in another way. Howard chose Tennessee over two other SEC heavyweights—Kentucky and Florida State. Both programs made strong final pushes, with Kentucky selling stability and the promise of early playing time, and Florida State leaning on its recent resurgence and big-stage exposure. In the end, however, Tennessee’s consistent message and energy won out.

Howard’s family reportedly played a significant role in the decision, prioritizing fit, development, and culture over brand recognition or proximity. Knoxville checked all the boxes. From academic support to quarterback development, the Volunteers made Howard feel like a priority—not just a number in a loaded recruiting class. That level of personal connection, sources say, ultimately made the difference.

With Howard now officially part of the 2025 class, Tennessee’s recruiting rankings are expected to rise considerably. He joins a group that already includes several four-star playmakers, and his presence could trigger a domino effect, with more high-caliber recruits wanting to join the rising powerhouse in Knoxville. Wide receivers and offensive linemen, in particular, are expected to take notice, as Howard’s commitment signifies Tennessee’s intent to build a high-octane offense for years to come.

Looking ahead, the next chapter in Howard’s journey will be closely watched. He’s expected to enroll early at Tennessee, giving him a head start on learning the playbook and acclimating to the college game. The Vols are not shy about playing young talent, and if Howard continues to progress as expected, he could be in the mix to start by his second year on campus—or sooner, depending on the quarterback landscape at that time.

Howard has already drawn comparisons to past greats for his arm strength and field vision, but what makes him special is his rare combination of physical tools and football IQ. He reads defenses like a seasoned veteran and has the confidence to make any throw on the field. Tennessee is betting big on his future, and based on everything we’ve seen so far, that bet could pay off in a major way.

For Tennessee fans, today marks a new era. It’s not just about flipping a five-star from a powerhouse like Ohio State. It’s about the message it sends—that the Volunteers are ready to compete at the highest level and bring championship-level talent back to Rocky Top. Howard is more than a recruit; he’s a symbol of what Tennessee is becoming: a destination for elite talent, a launching pad for future NFL stars, and a program with its sights set firmly on the College Football Playoff.

Welcome to the Tennessee family, Will Howard. The future just got a whole lot brighter in Knoxville.