As the College Football Playoff National Championship approaches, former Florida and Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire has once again made waves, this time by trolling Ohio State quarterback Will Howard.
Zaire, known for his outspoken nature and his time spent at both Florida and Notre Dame, took to social media to make bold remarks that have sparked a flurry of reactions. The timing of his comments, made just days before the national title game, has added fuel to the already intense rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State.
In a tweet that quickly went viral, Zaire wrote, “The only thing stopping ND and Marcus Freeman from making history is… Will Howard?!?! Yeah I’m taking all bets on…” This message has been interpreted by many as a direct jab at Howard, insinuating that the Ohio State quarterback is the primary roadblock preventing Notre Dame from winning the national title. The tweet, which Zaire posted on January 11, 2025, has stirred up controversy, as it seems to question Howard’s abilities and leadership, casting doubt on his potential to lead Ohio State to victory.
Zaire’s comments are particularly notable given the context of his own career. As a quarterback who played both at Florida and Notre Dame, he has a unique perspective on college football rivalries. During his time at Notre Dame, Zaire was involved in the team’s competitive efforts, but his career never reached the heights of some of the more well-known quarterbacks in college football. Despite this, Zaire has continued to make headlines, often through provocative statements or critiques of current players and programs.
The timing of his remarks is crucial, as the national title game is set to showcase two of college football’s most storied programs—Notre Dame and Ohio State. Both teams are led by highly respected head coaches, Marcus Freeman for Notre Dame and Ryan Day for Ohio State. The game represents a chance for each program to secure a prestigious championship, and the spotlight is squarely on the players and coaches involved. Zaire’s tweet has added an extra layer of tension to an already high-stakes environment, especially considering the rivalry between the two programs.
Zaire’s history with Ohio State is also worth noting. In the past, he has been critical of the Buckeyes, particularly in relation to their perceived dominance. Back in 2022, ahead of a major matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame, Zaire tweeted, “Ohio State fans get so hype but y’all wasn’t even the best team in Ohio last year! Lol CINCY WAS.” This earlier jab at Ohio State further highlights the tension between Zaire and the program, making his most recent comments feel like part of an ongoing series of critiques.
While some fans may see Zaire’s comments as nothing more than playful banter or a bit of competitive fun, others view them as unnecessary provocation. The comments have certainly added fuel to the fire of the rivalry, and it remains to be seen how both Howard and Ohio State fans will respond. Zaire’s challenge seems designed to add pressure to Howard, who is already facing the monumental task of leading his team to a national title.
As the national title game draws closer, all eyes will be on the field to see how the players handle the increased intensity surrounding the contest. Zaire’s comments are likely to be a point of conversation throughout the buildup to the game, but ultimately, the focus will be on the performance of both teams when the game kicks off. The drama off the field may add to the spectacle, but it will be the players who define the outcome on the field.
