Breaking: Will Howard, a 5-star quarterback (6’4″, 236 lbs), has decided to join the Tennessee Volunteers instead of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

In a monumental development for college football recruiting, Will Howard, the highly coveted 5-star quarterback, has made his long-awaited commitment to the University of Tennessee, choosing the Volunteers over the Ohio State Buckeyes. This decision marks a significant turning point in the recruitment saga of one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the 2025 class. Standing tall at 6’4” and weighing in at 236 pounds, Howard is widely regarded as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the nation and a future star at the collegiate level.

The decision was anticipated by many in the recruiting world, as Howard’s impressive combination of size, arm strength, and mobility has generated waves of interest from top-tier programs across the country. However, the battle between Tennessee and Ohio State was particularly fierce, with both programs offering intriguing opportunities for Howard to flourish in their respective offenses. Ultimately, Howard chose Tennessee, solidifying head coach Josh Heupel’s growing reputation as a dynamic recruiter and further bolstering the Volunteers’ future prospects.

This commitment has profound implications not only for Tennessee’s future but also for the broader landscape of college football recruiting. In this article, we will dive deeper into Will Howard’s decision, the factors that led to his choice, and the broader impact it will have on both Tennessee and Ohio State.

Before delving into the specifics of his recruitment, it’s essential to understand who Will Howard is as a player. The 5-star quarterback is a physical specimen who stands out not only for his size but for his skill set. Howard’s 6’4” frame and 236-pound build make him an imposing presence in the pocket, but his ability to move with agility and precision allows him to escape pressure when necessary, giving him the versatility to operate in a variety of offensive systems.

Howard’s arm strength is perhaps his most lauded attribute. The quarterback has the ability to drive the ball downfield with velocity, while also exhibiting impressive touch on intermediate throws. This combination of strength and finesse allows him to make throws to every level of the field, a skill that makes him a highly coveted prospect for both pro-style and spread offenses.

In addition to his physical prowess, Howard’s football IQ is off the charts. He reads defenses with a level of maturity that belies his age and consistently makes the right decisions. Whether it’s reading a linebacker on a quick out route or recognizing a cornerback’s off-coverage to hit a post route, Howard’s mental approach to the game matches his physical tools.

During his high school career, Howard played at a high level against tough competition, leading his team to multiple playoff appearances and earning numerous accolades along the way. His poise under pressure and ability to perform in clutch moments have made him a favorite among scouts, and his leadership on and off the field has only strengthened his reputation.

For Tennessee, the recruitment of Will Howard is a major win for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff. Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Heupel has helped revive the Volunteers’ football program, bringing them back into the national conversation. After a rocky few years following the departure of former head coach Jeremy Pruitt, Tennessee has reestablished itself as a contender in the SEC, and adding a 5-star quarterback like Howard only cements their trajectory.

Heupel’s offensive system, which is known for its high tempo and emphasis on vertical passing, has proven to be an ideal fit for Howard’s skill set. Howard’s arm strength, combined with his ability to process the game quickly, is a perfect match for an offense that thrives on getting the ball downfield in a hurry. The system’s emphasis on pace and space allows quarterbacks like Howard to operate with freedom, and he’ll be tasked with executing a high-flying attack that has already shown success in Heupel’s first few seasons.

Moreover, Howard’s commitment is a major boost to Tennessee’s recruiting efforts. The Volunteers have already made significant strides on the recruiting trail, and landing a player of Howard’s caliber sends a message to other top prospects that Tennessee is a program to watch. The 2025 class will likely see more talented players follow Howard’s lead, attracted by the opportunity to play alongside one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.

From a recruiting perspective, the importance of landing Howard cannot be overstated. The quarterback position is often the most pivotal on a football team, and having a player of Howard’s ability and pedigree gives Tennessee an edge in both recruiting and game preparation. It also gives the program a long-term solution at quarterback, which will be invaluable as they look to compete with powerhouse programs in the SEC.

On the other side, the Ohio State Buckeyes will be disappointed by Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff had invested heavily in recruiting Howard, and many believed that Ohio State would ultimately land the 5-star quarterback. The Buckeyes have a storied history of developing top-tier quarterbacks, with names like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and Troy Smith among the program’s most recent signal-callers to make their mark on the NFL.

Ohio State’s offensive system, which has been among the most potent in college football in recent years, also seemed like a perfect fit for Howard’s skill set. The Buckeyes run an up-tempo, pass-heavy offense that would allow Howard to showcase his arm strength and decision-making ability. Additionally, Ohio State has a talented group of wide receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., who would have been a great weapon for Howard in the passing game.

However, it seems that Tennessee’s ability to offer Howard a chance to be the face of the program, coupled with the momentum the Volunteers have built under Heupel, played a decisive role in his decision. Ohio State’s rich history and winning tradition are undeniable, but Howard might have seen Tennessee as an opportunity to make an even bigger impact in a program that is on the rise.

Ohio State will still be in the hunt for a top-tier quarterback in the 2025 class, and their ability to continue attracting elite talent won’t be diminished by Howard’s decision. However, this is a setback in the recruitment of what is shaping up to be one of the most talented quarterback classes in recent years.

Several factors likely contributed to Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee over Ohio State. Let’s break them down:

1. Offensive Fit: Tennessee’s high-tempo, pass-heavy offense aligns well with Howard’s skill set. The chance to run an offense that showcases his arm strength and decision-making ability is likely a key factor in his decision. Additionally, Heupel’s system values quick decision-making and deep ball accuracy, areas in which Howard excels.
2. Development Potential: Tennessee’s recent success under Heupel, combined with the program’s upward trajectory, likely played a role in Howard’s thinking. The Volunteers are a team on the rise, and Howard may have seen an opportunity to be the face of the program and lead them to new heights.
3. Depth Chart and Opportunity to Play Early: At Tennessee, Howard is likely to step in as the starting quarterback relatively soon, providing him with an opportunity to make an immediate impact. Ohio State, on the other hand, has a more established quarterback room, which may have made it harder for Howard to envision himself getting on the field as early as he would like.
4. Recruiting Momentum at Tennessee: The Volunteers have been gaining traction on the recruiting trail, and Howard’s commitment could be seen as the first domino in what will likely be an impressive 2025 class. Joining a program with strong momentum may have been an attractive factor for Howard as he looks to be part of a growing football powerhouse.

Now that Howard has committed to Tennessee, all eyes will be on the Volunteers as they look to build on this momentum. The addition of a 5-star quarterback is a game-changer for the program, and Howard will undoubtedly be tasked with leading Tennessee into the future. The Volunteers will also need to surround him with talent, particularly on the offensive line and at wide receiver, to ensure that he can succeed at the highest level.

Howard’s decision will likely have a ripple effect on recruiting in the 2025 class, as other elite prospects may be drawn to Tennessee with the chance to play alongside one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The Volunteers’ success on the recruiting trail will depend on their ability to capitalize on this commitment and continue to attract top-tier talent to Knoxville.

For Ohio State, the search for a quarterback will continue, but this loss is not the end of the world. The Buckeyes have a history of developing elite quarterbacks, and they will likely rebound quickly by turning their attention to other top prospects in the 2025 class. Ohio State remains one of the premier programs in college football, and their ability to attract talent will not be diminished by this setback.

Will Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee over Ohio State is a monumental moment in the world of college football recruiting. For Tennessee, it represents a significant step forward in the program’s growth under Josh Heupel. For Ohio State, it is a tough loss but one that will not define their recruiting efforts. Howard is a dynamic player who has the potential to reshape Tennessee’s offense and propel the Volunteers back to national relevance. The next few years will be exciting for Tennessee fans as they eagerly await the arrival of their future star quarterback.