Will Howard’s decision to transfer to Ohio State for his final season of college football has turned into a positive decision for his NFL draft stock. The former Kansas State quarterback has delivered his most impressive season yet at Ohio State, improving across the board and positioning himself as a potential QB3 or QB4 in a underwhelming 2025 Quarterback Draft class.
Statistical Surge in Columbus
Howard’s final collegiate season was a career high in all categories. He threw for over 3,700 yards and accounted for 40 total touchdowns; 33 through the air and 7 on the ground. This marked a significant development in production compared to his years at Kansas State and showed his ability to thrive in a new offensive system at Ohio State, granted the WR talent from Kansas St to Ohio St is a huge difference.
His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has been on full display, especially during the Buckeyes’ playoff run, where he has been instrumental in leading the team to the National Championship game this season.
Traits That Stand Out on Tape
Howard’s development is clear when watching his 2024/25 tape:
Pocket Presence: One of Howard’s standout traits is his poise in the pocket. He moves well to avoid pressure, stands tall, and scans the field with a calm, controlled demeanor.
Field Vision: His ability to process defenses quickly and manipulate secondaries is advanced for a 23-year-old quarterback. He consistently finds the open man, even against complex defensive schemes.
Accuracy and Touch: Howard delivers accurate throws at all three levels, showing excellent touch on deep passes and timing on intermediate routes.
Mobility: While not a dual-threat quarterback, Howard has decent mobility, adding another layer to his game with 7 rushing touchdowns this season.
Howard’s seamless transition into the Ohio State offense is a testament to his football IQ. Adapting to the Buckeyes’ system and excelling under the spotlight of one of college football’s premier programs shows his readiness to handle the complexities of an NFL offense.
His performances against top-tier competition, especially in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs, underline his ability to rise to the occasion. Howard’s best games often came against the toughest opponents, creating a reputation as a big time performer.
The Concern: Turnovers
The primary knock on Howard remains his turnovers. Across his four full seasons as a starter, three have featured at least 10 interceptions. While his decision-making and risk assessment have improved, this is an area that will require refinement at the next level. NFL teams will want to see him address these issues, especially when under duress.
Draft Stock and the Potential National Championship Boost
Heading into the National Championship, Howard’s draft stock is trending upward. A strong performance on college football’s biggest stage could propel him into the conversation as the QB3 or QB4 of this draft class, with teams needing to find QB's after the first round.
If he can show continued improvement with ball security, Howard has the potential to become a starter in the NFL. For teams in need of a quarterback who can step into a complex offense and lead with confidence, Will Howard may prove to be one of the draft’s biggest risers. His journey from Kansas State to Ohio State has showcased his resilience, adaptability, and qualities that NFL franchises will value.
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