Steelers Training Camp Buzzing as Rookies Will Howard and Jack Sawyer See Familiar Ohio State Vibes in Pittsburgh Grind

The sun rises over Latrobe, Pennsylvania, casting golden rays across the rolling hills of Saint Vincent College. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that morning light signals something more than just the start of another day of training camp—it’s a spotlight on the franchise’s next generation.

Among those stepping into the glare with confidence are two rookies: quarterback Will Howard and edge rusher Jack Sawyer. Both former Ohio State Buckeyes, both already catching eyes, and both feeling something surprisingly familiar as they grind through their first NFL camp.

“I walked into the facility and just smiled,” said Sawyer, the 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive force. “The culture, the expectations, the way guys work—it felt a lot like Columbus.”

Howard nodded from across the room. “You can feel it. Pittsburgh expects excellence the same way Ohio State does. It’s not about hoping to win. It’s about expecting to win—and doing the work every day to back that up.”

The comparisons aren’t just talk. Pittsburgh and Ohio State are two football institutions known for tradition, toughness, and an unrelenting demand for results. It’s why the transition for Howard and Sawyer—though challenging—has been smoother than many rookies experience.

A Quarterback Built for the Moment

Will Howard’s journey to Pittsburgh has been anything but linear. After a productive run at Kansas State, Howard transferred to Ohio State for his final season, tasked with leading a team with national championship aspirations. While he wasn’t perfect in Columbus, he earned respect for his leadership, poise, and willingness to shoulder pressure.

Now, he’s doing much of the same in black and gold.

“This place breathes football like Ohio State does,” Howard said. “Every day in Columbus, you knew you were part of something bigger—every lift, every throw mattered. That’s how it is here too.”

Howard has impressed early with his command of the huddle and ability to learn the playbook at warp speed. While the Steelers remain committed to starter Russell Wilson, coaches view Howard as a legitimate option to push for backup reps this year—and potentially more down the line.

“He doesn’t blink,” said offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. “That’s a trait you don’t teach. Will steps in, takes command, and guys listen. He’s tough, smart, and his arm talent is real.”

Teammates have taken notice too. Veteran wide receiver George Pickens praised Howard’s timing and willingness to take chances downfield.

“Dude slings it,” Pickens said. “He ain’t scared. That’s what I like.”

Howard credits much of that confidence to the scarlet and gray background he shares with Sawyer.

“You go through what we did at Ohio State—big-time games, hostile crowds, national attention—it prepares you for this,” he said. “You learn how to handle expectations.”

Sawyer Making an Instant Impact

If Howard is earning praise for his mind, Jack Sawyer is turning heads with raw power.

The Pickerington, Ohio native is already looking like a steal from the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. He’s lined up with the second-team defense, and in several early camp reps, he’s broken into the backfield like a freight train with no brakes.

The Steelers drafted him with hopes of developing another dominant pass-rusher to eventually pair with or spell T.J. Watt. But if Sawyer keeps playing like this, that timeline might get accelerated.

“He’s a dog,” said linebackers coach Aaron Curry. “Straight up. Relentless motor, violent hands, and a nose for the ball. Jack’s not here to wait his turn.”

Sawyer admits the pace and strength of NFL offensive linemen took some adjusting to, but the mentality—that killer instinct instilled at Ohio State—helped him respond.

“We trained every day to be faster, stronger, and smarter than the guy across from us,” Sawyer said. “That doesn’t change just because the guys are wearing Steelers helmets now instead of Buckeye ones.”

He’s even drawn praise from Watt himself, who pulled him aside during a drill earlier in camp and offered a quick tip on shedding blockers.

“It meant everything,” Sawyer said. “He didn’t have to do that, but he did. That’s the kind of place this is. It’s competitive, but it’s also about bringing each other up.”

Ohio State Brotherhood Carries Over

The connection between Howard and Sawyer goes deeper than just alma mater. The two trained together in the offseason, helping each other refine mechanics and mindset in preparation for the NFL leap.

“We held each other accountable,” Sawyer said. “There were mornings one of us didn’t want to get up, but the other one made sure it happened. That’s Ohio State. That’s brotherhood.”

In Pittsburgh, they’ve found similar accountability among veterans.

From All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick setting the tone in film study to Cam Heyward’s relentless presence in conditioning drills, the bar is sky-high. And the rookies are meeting it with open arms.

“You come here, and it’s not about being a rookie,” Howard said. “It’s about proving you belong. I learned that at Ohio State when I walked into the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Now I’m seeing it here every day.”

Even head coach Mike Tomlin, known for his no-nonsense approach, appreciates the polish his new Buckeyes bring.

“Those guys come from a program where the standard is the standard,” Tomlin said. “They know what hard looks like. They understand what it means to compete in a fishbowl.”

Different Roles, Same Mission

While both Howard and Sawyer are rookies trying to carve out spots on the 53-man roster, their paths differ.

Howard is in the quarterback room—a place where every rep is scrutinized, and mental errors are magnified. He’s competing with veterans and must balance learning with assertiveness.

“I study all the time,” he said. “I’ve got a tablet in my hand constantly. It’s about stacking days, learning from every mistake, and being ready for the moment.”

Sawyer, on the other hand, finds himself in a deep rotation of defensive ends, competing for a spot in a defense that thrives on chaos.

“It’s war in the trenches,” he laughed. “But I love it. I live for this.”

Despite their differences, their goal is the same: help Pittsburgh win. Whether that’s this year or down the road, both are determined to make their presence felt.

Bringing Buckeye Mentality to the Steel City

Steelers fans might not realize it yet, but they’re watching something unique unfold.

Two rookies—molded by one of college football’s most demanding programs—are bringing that relentless mindset to a franchise built on grit and legacy. And they’re not here just to blend in.

“We’ve been through fire,” Sawyer said. “We’ve heard the noise. We’ve answered the call. That’s why we’re here—to do it all over again.”

Howard nodded again, a slight grin on his face.

“Steel sharpens steel, right?” he said. “And there’s a lot of steel here.”

From Columbus to Pittsburgh, the journey continues. And with each rep, each meeting, and each play, Will Howard and Jack Sawyer are proving they were built for this moment—just like they were back in the Horseshoe.

Pittsburgh better take notice.

Because Buckeye blood runs deep—and these two rookies are just getting started.