The journey of William “Will” Thomas Howard is a compelling narrative of perseverance, talent, and a touch of destiny. From a high school standout in Pennsylvania to a national champion with Ohio State and now a draftee for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Howard’s football career has been anything but predictable. This article delves into his path, exploring his college career, his strengths and weaknesses as a player, and the excitement surrounding his entry into the National Football League.
Early Years and High School Success
Born on September 24, 2001, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Will Howard’s passion for football ignited early. He honed his skills through the Marsh Creek Eagles and Downingtown Middle School programs before becoming a prominent figure at Downingtown West High School. There, he showcased his leadership and athletic prowess, culminating in the team’s only District Championship. His senior year performance earned him the prestigious Maxwell Football Club Pennsylvania Player of the Year award, signaling a bright future in the sport.
However, his journey wasn’t without its hurdles. A significant injury during his junior year impacted his recruitment process. Despite initial interest from major programs like Penn State (where his father and sister attended), the injury led to a cooling of contact. This adversity became a pivotal moment, revealing which programs truly believed in his potential.
Kansas State: Building a Foundation
Kansas State University emerged as the program that saw Howard’s talent and resilience. He enrolled early in 2020 and began his collegiate career with the Wildcats. Over four seasons in Manhattan, Kansas, Howard gained valuable experience, playing in 34 games and starting 27. While he wasn’t always the undisputed starter, his time at Kansas State was marked by growth and significant achievements.
He steadily climbed the ranks of K-State quarterbacks, eventually ranking fourth in career starts since 1990. His senior season in 2023 was particularly noteworthy, earning him Second-Team All-Big 12 honors from the coaches and an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. He also garnered recognition on several national award watch lists, including the Maxwell Award and the Davey O’Brien Award. Academically, Howard excelled, earning First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors for three consecutive years (2021-2023), highlighting his commitment both on and off the field.
Ohio State: A Championship Dream Realized
Seeking a new challenge and an opportunity to compete at the highest level, Howard entered the transfer portal in 2023. His destination: Ohio State University. This move proved to be transformative. He quickly secured the starting quarterback role for the Buckeyes in the 2024 season.
At Ohio State, Howard flourished. He led the team to an impressive 14-2 regular season record, showcasing his arm talent and decision-making. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns, demonstrating remarkable accuracy with a 73% completion rate. His dual-threat capabilities were also evident, as he added 226 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
Crucially, Howard’s leadership and performance shone brightest in the College Football Playoffs. He earned Offensive MVP honors in wins against both Texas and Notre Dame, guiding the Buckeyes to their first national championship since 2014. This championship victory solidified his status as a top quarterback prospect and a proven winner.
NFL Draft and the Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite his stellar 2024 season and national championship pedigree, Howard’s name wasn’t called until the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with the 185th overall pick. This draft position was lower than some analysts had projected, leading to discussions about why a quarterback with his recent success slid to Day 3.
However, for Howard, the destination seemed to hold a special significance. Footage emerged of him pleading for the Steelers to draft him as he watched the final rounds, revealing a deep desire to play for the black and gold. This wish was granted, and his emotional reaction upon receiving the call from the Steelers was a testament to his passion for the game and his targeted ambition.
Joining the Steelers brings Howard back to his home state of Pennsylvania. He enters a quarterback room that includes veteran Mason Rudolph, who was re-signed by the team, and potentially even the legendary Aaron Rodgers, should he continue his career in Pittsburgh. This environment offers Howard a chance to learn from experienced players while also competing for a role.
Analyzing Will Howard’s Strengths and Weaknesses
As an NFL prospect, Will Howard possesses a compelling blend of physical tools and on-field abilities:
Strengths:
Size and Build: At 6’4″ and 236 pounds, Howard has the classic prototypical size for an NFL quarterback.
Arm Strength: He possesses a strong arm capable of making a variety of throws, both short and deep, with good velocity.
Accuracy: His impressive 73% completion rate in his final college season highlights his ability to deliver the ball accurately to his receivers.
Mobility: Howard is not just a pocket passer; he has the athleticism to extend plays with his legs and pick up yardage on the ground, as evidenced by his rushing touchdowns.
Leadership and Intangibles: He is consistently described as a leader and a team player, someone who elevates those around him. His desire to play for the Steelers demonstrates his conviction and passion.
Experience in Winning: Leading Ohio State to a national championship showcases his ability to perform under pressure and in high-stakes games.
High Football IQ: His ability to quickly grasp offensive schemes and make smart decisions on the field was evident in his success at Ohio State.
Weaknesses:
Draft Stock Slide: The fact that he was drafted in the sixth round suggests that some NFL teams had concerns about certain aspects of his game.
Consistency: While his senior season was outstanding, his earlier years at Kansas State showed flashes but lacked consistent dominance.
Level of Competition: Playing with the talented receiving corps at Ohio State undoubtedly contributed to his statistical success. The transition to the NFL will involve facing a higher level of defensive talent.
Decision-Making Under Pressure (Concerns): While he won a national championship, some scouts might have identified instances where his decision-making under extreme pressure could be improved.
Time as Undisputed Starter: He only had one season as the clear-cut starting quarterback at a major program.
The Road Ahead for Will Howard
Will Howard’s arrival in Pittsburgh marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football journey. He faces the challenge of transitioning from college star to NFL player. The Steelers’ quarterback situation is intriguing, with a mix of experience and potential. Howard will need to impress the coaching staff with his work ethic, his ability to learn the playbook, and his performance in practice and preseason games.
The presence of Mason Rudolph provides a veteran presence and a potential mentor. The possibility of Aaron Rodgers joining the team would offer an unparalleled learning opportunity for any young quarterback. While his draft position suggests he may not be an immediate starter, Howard has the talent and the drive to compete and potentially carve out a significant role for himself in the NFL.
His journey so far has been defined by overcoming adversity and seizing opportunities. From an injury setback in high school to transferring to a powerhouse program and leading them to a national championship, Will Howard has consistently demonstrated resilience and a winning mentality. Now, in the Steel City, he has the chance to prove himself once again and potentially add another remarkable chapter to his already compelling football story. Steelers fans, and the wider NFL community, will be watching with keen interest to see what the future holds for this determined and talented quarterback. His blend of physical tools, recent success, and unwavering desire makes him a fascinating player to follow in the years to come.
FAQs
Who is Will Howard?
Will Howard is an American football quarterback who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2024 season. He transferred from Kansas State University, where he had a standout four-year career. Howard is known for his strong leadership, athleticism, and academic achievements.
What are Will Howard’s career highlights?
At Kansas State, Howard played in 34 games, starting 28. He led the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship in 2022 and set a school record with 48 career touchdown passes. In 2023, he threw for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns. At Ohio State, he threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns in the 2024 season.
Where is Will Howard from?
Will Howard hails from Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Downingtown West High School before continuing his football career at Kansas State and later transferring to Ohio State.
What is Will Howard’s educational background?
Howard graduated with a degree in accounting from Kansas State University. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports coaching at Ohio State University.
What is Will Howard’s playing style?
Standing 6’4″ and weighing 235 pounds, Howard is known for his strong arm, mobility, and leadership on the field. He has demonstrated the ability to make accurate throws under pressure and is a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to extend plays with his legs.
What are Will Howard’s philanthropic efforts?
Beyond football, Howard is committed to community service. He has been involved with the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas. His efforts have led to life-saving donor matches through the national Be The Match registry.
What is Will Howard’s net worth?
As of 2024, Will Howard’s net worth is estimated at $7 million. This wealth is attributed to his successful football career and endorsement deals, particularly following the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations in college sports.
What is Will Howard’s family background?
Will Howard is the eldest of four children. His parents, Bob and Maureen Howard, are both Penn State alumni. Maureen is a pediatric physical therapist and active in social work, while Bob has a background in business. His siblings include Tori, a swimmer at Penn State; Ryan, a freshman football player at Kentucky State; and Grace, a middle school student.
What are some of Will Howard’s personal interests?
Outside of football, Howard enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in community service. He is also known for his sense of humor and has shared moments from his personal life on social media platforms.
What are Will Howard’s future aspirations?
Howard aims to continue his football career at the professional level. He is also interested in coaching and sports leadership, leveraging his master’s degree in sports coaching to pursue opportunities in these areas.
To conclude
Will Howard’s journey from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, to becoming a standout quarterback at both Kansas State and Ohio State exemplifies dedication, resilience, and leadership. His impressive statistics, including over 5,700 passing yards and 48 touchdowns at Kansas State, and 4,010 passing yards with 35 touchdowns at Ohio State, highlight his prowess on the field. Off the field, Howard’s commitment to academics, community service, and personal development showcases his well-rounded character. With an estimated net worth of $7 million, largely due to NIL opportunities, Howard is a prominent figure in college sports. His philanthropic efforts further demonstrate his dedication to making a positive impact beyond football. As he continues his career, Howard’s blend of athletic talent, academic achievement, and community involvement positions him as a role model for aspiring athletes.
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