Will Howard’s Transfer to Ohio State Becomes a Championship Masterstroke

When Will Howard transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State in January 2024, the move was met with skepticism. Ranked as the seventh-best quarterback in the transfer portal by 247Sports, Howard’s inconsistent performances and 58.8% career completion rate left many doubting whether he could elevate the Buckeyes’ offense.

Fast-forward one year, and Howard’s story is a testament to resilience and transformation. Not only did he lead Ohio State to its first national championship since 2014, but he also cemented himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. By the time the Buckeyes celebrated their 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the national title game, Howard had silenced every critic and proven to be the perfect fit for Ryan Day’s team.

Howard’s Journey to Redemption

Howard’s path to glory wasn’t smooth. Struggles during spring practices and an offseason quarterback competition meant he didn’t secure the starting role until August. Even then, questions lingered about his ability to replace Kyle McCord, who had transferred to Syracuse after Ohio State declined to guarantee him the 2024 starting job.

But as the season unfolded, Howard flourished. His stats were nothing short of remarkable: completing a school-record 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions, while adding 226 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. His performances in the College Football Playoff were particularly elite, where he completed 75.3% of his passes for 1,150 yards and eight touchdowns, earning an astonishing Total QBR of 89.6—the highest in the FBS for 2024.

Coaching and Leadership Spark a Breakthrough

Howard credits Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, for unlocking his potential. “I’ve never been coached this hard, and that’s exactly what I needed,” Howard said during a post-championship press conference. “Coach Day believed in me, pushed me, and helped me become the player I am today.”

Day, who saw immense potential in Howard from their first meeting, praised his intelligence, leadership, and growth. “Will’s leadership and resilience were unmatched. He became the heart and soul of our team,” Day said.

Howard’s impact extended beyond his statistics. His poise and determination inspired his teammates, even amidst adversity. Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka called Howard “the perfect fit from the moment he stepped on campus,” while cornerback Jordan Hancock hailed him as “the best leader out there.”

A Legendary Buckeye Season

Howard’s ability to shine on the biggest stage solidified his status as a Buckeye legend. Whether navigating complex play calls or making clutch throws against top-tier defenses, Howard displayed NFL-caliber talent. Day, a former NFL quarterbacks coach, described Howard as “a pro, day one,” ready to lead at the next level.

A Bright Future Awaits

As Howard prepares for the NFL draft, where he’ll compete for positioning against former Ohio State quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Quinn Ewers, his stock continues to rise. “In my eyes, he’s a first-round draft pick,” said Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Regardless of where he lands, Howard’s legacy at Ohio State is secure. In one season, he brought leadership, skill, and a championship to Columbus, etching his name among the program’s all-time greats. “I came to the right place,” Howard said. “Becoming a Buckeye was the best decision of my life.”

For Ohio State, Will Howard’s journey from transfer portal uncertainty to championship glory is a story that will resonate for years to come—a testament to faith, hard work, and the magic of finding the perfect pairing at the perfect time.