JUST IN: 5-Star QB Will Howard Stuns Buckeye Nation — Decommits from Ohio State, Commits to Georgia Bulldogs Over Tennessee and Mizzou in Blockbuster Flip
In a shocking twist that has rocked the college football recruiting landscape, Will Howard, the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2026 class, has decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and officially flipped his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs, choosing Athens over final contenders Tennessee and Missouri.
The 6’4”, 236-pound phenom from Independence, Missouri, made the announcement via a dramatic video on social media Saturday morning, featuring scenes of Sanford Stadium, the iconic “G” logo, and audio clips of roaring Dawgs fans under the Friday night lights.
> “This decision wasn’t easy,” Howard said in the closing moments of the video. “But when I walked through Athens, when I talked with Coach Smart and the staff — I knew. This is where I belong. Go Dawgs.”
🐾 Why Georgia?
Howard had been the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class since committing in March, but rumblings over his dissatisfaction with the Buckeyes’ shifting offensive scheme began swirling in early July. Sources close to the situation say that after Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline hinted at a heavier rotation of quarterbacks, Howard began reconsidering his options.
Meanwhile, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and newly promoted offensive coordinator Mike Bobo Jr. reportedly made a late, hard push for Howard, selling him on a pro-style system tailored to his physical build and elite arm talent — a system that has produced three first-round picks in the last five years.
“He’s everything we look for in a Georgia quarterback,” said Coach Smart in a statement. “Big, fast, smart, and fearless. Will’s the type of leader who walks into a room and instantly commands it.”
🧠 Scouting Report
Howard has drawn comparisons to both Josh Allen and a young Cam Newton — a rare blend of power and poise. Clocked at a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash and boasting a 35-inch vertical, his athleticism is matched only by his cannon of an arm and sharp football IQ. He threw for 3,824 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior, adding 987 yards and 14 TDs on the ground.
ESPN ranks him as the No. 1 QB and No. 3 overall player in the 2026 class.
😱 Fallout for Ohio State
The decommitment is a major blow for the Buckeyes, who had built their 2026 class around Howard. Fans immediately took to X (formerly Twitter) in a mixture of disbelief and fury. “Losing Will Howard is like losing a national title shot two years early,” one fan wrote.
Recruiting analyst Corey Simmons added, “This one stings for OSU. Howard was not only their guy — he was the guy for the entire class.”
The Buckeyes are now scrambling to re-engage with several top-10 QBs they had previously cooled on, including Florida prospect Tyrese Maddox and Texas native Colton Rhodes.
🐶 Georgia’s Momentum Builds
Howard’s commitment gives Georgia a massive jolt heading into the heart of the 2026 recruiting cycle. The Bulldogs now boast three 5-stars in the class and are rumored to be closing in on two elite wide receivers — both of whom are close with Howard from 7v7 circuits.
With Georgia’s quarterback room set to turn over after this season, insiders say Howard will have a realistic chance to compete for the starting job as a true freshman in 2026.
📢 Final Word from Howard
When asked why he made the switch, Howard offered a simple, grounded answer:
> “This is about where I can become the best version of me — on and off the field. Georgia gives me that chance. I’m all in.”
Welcome to Athens, Will Howard. The Dawgs just got their next big-time QB.
