In a stunning turn of events, five-star quarterback Will Howard (6 ft 4 in, 236 lbs) has decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. This decision has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, as Howard was previously considered a cornerstone of Ohio State’s future quarterback plans.
Background: Will Howard’s Journey to Ohio State
Will Howard began his collegiate career at Kansas State, where he started 27 games and threw for 5,786 yards and 48 touchdowns. He led the Wildcats to a Big 12 title victory over TCU in 2022 and helped them reach the Pop-Tarts Bowl in the following season. After the emergence of five-star prospect Avery Johnson, Howard entered the transfer portal and ultimately chose to transfer to Ohio State, seeking to elevate his game under head coach Ryan Day’s tutelage.
At Ohio State, Howard quickly earned the starting quarterback role and played a pivotal part in the Buckeyes’ national championship run. Over the course of the four postseason games, he completed 82 of 109 pass attempts (75.2%) for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns, and only two interceptions. In the championship game against Notre Dame, Howard set a College Football Playoff record by completing his first 13 pass attempts, finishing with 231 yards and two touchdowns, earning him the game’s offensive MVP honors.
The Decommitment: A Shocking Turn of Events
Despite his success at Ohio State, Howard has now decided to decommit from the program. Reports indicate that he has flipped his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers, choosing them over other elite programs such as LSU, Kentucky, and Florida State.
Tennessee’s head coach, Josh Heupel, has been instrumental in revitalizing the Volunteers’ program with an up-tempo, pass-heavy offensive scheme that has attracted top-tier quarterback prospects. Howard’s decision to join Tennessee signals a new chapter in his collegiate career and adds to the growing momentum of the Volunteers’ recruiting efforts.
Implications for Ohio State
Howard’s departure leaves a significant void in Ohio State’s quarterback depth chart. The Buckeyes will now look to their younger quarterbacks to step up and fill the role. This development raises questions about the future of the program’s quarterback recruiting and whether Ohio State can maintain its elite status without a clear successor at the quarterback position.
As Will Howard transitions to the Tennessee Volunteers, all eyes will be on how he adapts to Heupel’s offensive system and competes for the starting quarterback position. His size, arm strength, and leadership qualities make him a promising addition to Tennessee’s roster. For Ohio State, the challenge will be to regroup and continue their pursuit of excellence in college football.
