Will Howard, a 23-year-old quarterback, had a waiting journey before his selection on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft came to fruition. Initially projected to be drafted in the earlier rounds, he was ultimately chosen in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a significant milestone in his football career. Howard’s path has been fraught with challenges, culminating in an exciting opportunity in the NFL, where he joins a restructured quarterback lineup in Pittsburgh, working alongside veterans like Mason Rudolph and possibly Aaron Rodgers. This article explores Howard’s journey from his early adversities to his promising future in the NFL.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Early adversity in Will Howard’s career |
| 2) The quarterback battle at Kansas State |
| 3) Transferring to Ohio State |
| 4) A remarkable season with the Buckeyes |
| 5) What Will Howard brings to the Steelers |
Early adversity in Will Howard’s career
Born and raised in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Will Howard developed a passion for football early in life, influenced significantly by his family’s ties to Penn State University where both his father and sister attended. Despite a stellar high school career that earned him the Maxwell Football Club Pennsylvania Player of the Year title during his senior year, Howard encountered significant setbacks when his junior season was disrupted by injury. This injury had far-reaching effects as it deterred premier colleges, including Penn State, from pursuing him post-injury.
In a conversation with former NFL coach Jon Gruden, Howard expressed the harsh reality of that phase in his life, sharing,
“That junior year was supposed to be real big for me… but after my injury, I never heard from Penn State again.”
This realization pivotal in shaping Howard’s future led him to Kansas State University, a school that actively pursued him despite the rampant injury concerns. He indicated,
“K-State actually came in, and that was a big reason why I went there.”
Even during his injury-laden year, Howard displayed resilience, aiding his high school team as a quasi-coach, a role that he later acknowledged as beneficial in his development as a player.
The quarterback battle at Kansas State
Howard’s initial years at Kansas State were challenging. As a freshman, he struggled leading the Big 12 in interceptions, completing less than 54% of his passes. However, showing great resilience, his performance improved during his junior year. Despite this resurgence, the arrival of then-Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez after the 2022 season added pressure and uncertainty to Howard’s standing on the team.
Reflecting on this turbulent period, Howard stated,
“It felt like I wasn’t playing up to my ability. I understood why they wanted to go get a guy, but it still pissed me off.”
This frustration fueled his determination to prove his worth, leading to a noteworthy season in 2023, where he managed to throw 24 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, contributing significantly to Kansas State’s Big 12 Championship victory.
Transferring to Ohio State
Following his successful stint at Kansas State, Howard made the decision to transfer to Ohio State for his final season of eligibility in 2024. This decision came on the heels of existing quarterback challenges at Ohio State, as the program sought a new leader after encouraging then-starter Kyle McCord to enter the transfer portal. Howard joined a formidable Buckeyes team, expected to contend for a national championship, alongside notable talents including wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.
Coach Ryan Day‘s expectations were clear from their first meeting, where he expressed faith in Howard’s potential to lead the team. Howard recalled,
“When Coach Day came and met with me, he said, ‘I believe that you can be the guy that can lead us to a national title.’”
Howard embraced this challenge, relishing the underdog narrative that accompanied his transition to Ohio State.
A remarkable season with the Buckeyes
The 2024 season began optimistically for Howard and the Buckeyes, who ascended to the No. 2 ranking in the nation. However, a surprising defeat against Michigan—a game that Howard described as devastating—marked a turning point for both him and his team. The loss not only tested their resolve but ultimately forged a stronger bond among teammates. As Howard reflected,
“We had a players-only meeting that next week, and we basically said that we still have the national championship to play for.”
This defining moment propelled the Buckeyes on a stunning postseason run culminating in a national title victory.
During the playoffs, showcasing his multifaceted skills, Howard demonstrated an impressive 75.2% completion rate while contributing eight touchdowns with only two interceptions, encapsulating his evolution as a quarterback capable of leading a championship-caliber team.
What Will Howard brings to the Steelers
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, Howard possesses the physical attributes commonly associated with an NFL quarterback. His ability to leverage his size effectively in both passing and rushing scenarios was on full display during his college career, where he showcased impressive gameplay. Notably, Howard delighted fans with an 80-yard touchdown run during his tenure at Kansas State.
His proficiency in executing deep passes aligns seamlessly with the Steelers’ offensive strategy, likely positioning him as a key player working with wide receivers like DK Metcalf and George Pickens should the opportunity arise. Moreover, Howard demonstrated adaptability and strategic acumen throughout his college games, effectively adhering to game plans that required a more conservative approach as well. Additionally, his inherent leadership ability has set a solid foundation for establishing rapport with his teammates in Pittsburgh, an essential quality that will aid his transition to the NFL.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Will Howard was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. |
| 2 | Howard faced severe early career challenges, including a significant injury in high school. |
| 3 | Transferring to Ohio State marked a pivotal point in Howard’s football career. |
| 4 | Howard led the Buckeyes to a national championship, displaying impressive statistics along the way. |
| 5 | His leadership and adaptability make him a promising addition to the Steelers’ quarterback roster. |
Summary
In summary, Will Howard’s journey to the NFL is a tale of perseverance, resilience, and triumph over adversity. His selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from a young athlete determined to prove his capabilities. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, there is considerable optimism surrounding his potential contributions to the Steelers, especially as he pairs with experienced players in a renewed quarterback lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What were Will Howard’s major challenges in high school?
Will Howard faced a significant injury during his junior year, which impacted his recruitment from major colleges, including Penn State.
Question: How did Howard perform at Kansas State?
Although he initially struggled, Howard had a breakout season in 2023, leading Kansas State to a Big 12 Championship and throwing 24 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Question: What expectations does Howard face at Ohio State?
Upon transferring, Howard was expected to lead Ohio State to a national title, which he successfully achieved by guiding the team through a historic playoff performance.
