Will Howard’s NFL Journey: The Underestimated QB’s Rise and the Chip Kelly Connection
The college football season may have wrapped up, but the NFL scouts are just getting started. With their eyes peeled for the next wave of talent, they’ve turned their attention to a surprising standout—Will Howard, Ohio State’s powerhouse quarterback who recently led his team to their first national title in a decade. Despite an impressive stat line of 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, Howard hasn’t been universally hailed as a top-tier NFL prospect—until now.
A Late Surge in Draft Stock: The NFL Wakes Up to Will Howard
As the pre-draft chatter ramps up, Howard is finally getting his due. Initially overlooked, his stellar playoff performance and clutch play in the national championship game forced analysts to reconsider. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah even floated him as a top-50 pick, a leap from the earlier projections of a late-round gamble. Howard’s size, cannon of an arm, and poise in the pocket make him an intriguing prospect—an NFL-ready package hiding in plain sight.
Yet, for all his skills, Howard remains under the radar. Pat McAfee, never one to mince words, questioned the lack of buzz: “Why isn’t Will Howard getting the hype he deserves?” An anonymous NFL scout echoed this sentiment, calling Howard “the most slept-on QB” in the draft and noting his eye-popping speed—reportedly clocking 22 MPH during training.
The Road Less Traveled: A Wildcat Turned Buckeye
Howard’s path from Kansas State to Ohio State was anything but ordinary. Transferring to OSU was a gamble that paid off in spectacular fashion, catapulting him into the national spotlight. If his journey so far is any indication, the NFL might just be the next stage for Howard to defy expectations and prove his doubters wrong. Some scouts even view him as QB4 among the elite prospects of 2025, with whispers of him sneaking into the first round.
Skipping the Senior Bowl: A Controversial Call
Skipping the Senior Bowl—a crucial showcase for NFL hopefuls—raised eyebrows. Was it a missed opportunity for Howard to cement his rising draft stock? Perhaps. But Howard had his reasons. Fresh off a grueling national title run, he opted to focus on rest and individualized training, prioritizing his long-term health and preparation over one last collegiate hurrah.
The Chip Kelly Factor: Raiders Reunion on the Horizon?
Here’s where the plot thickens. Chip Kelly, the offensive mastermind behind Howard’s magical year at Ohio State, has made a move to the NFL, signing on as the Las Vegas Raiders’ new offensive coordinator. Could this reunion shape Howard’s NFL destiny? The Raiders, in need of a quarterback, are picking high in the draft.
The idea of Kelly molding Howard in a pro system is tantalizing—especially if Howard can learn behind a veteran starter. The Raiders could strike gold with Howard, a quarterback who thrived under Kelly’s tutelage and has the momentum to translate his college success to the pros.
A Gamble Worth Taking: The NFL Awaits
As the draft approaches, the NFL landscape buzzes with possibilities. Will Howard, the underdog turned national champion, could be the draft’s biggest surprise. Teams like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants have decisions to make, but if the Raiders roll the dice on Howard, they might just hit the jackpot.
The question now isn’t just if Howard can make it in the NFL, but how far he can go. With his strong arm, mental toughness, and the potential for a Chip Kelly reunion, Howard’s story is just beginning. The draft will tell us a lot—but one thing’s clear: this underestimated QB is ready to prove he belongs among the best.
What do you think? Could Howard be the sleeper pick that shakes up the draft? Think he’ll reunite with Kelly in Vegas? Let me know—let’s talk football!
