Ohio State appellations Will Howard, a Kansas State transfer, starting quarterback
Coach Ryan Day of Ohio State revealed on Thursday that Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, will start at quarterback for the team in 2024.
Though he had been competing in preseason camp with Devin Brown and others, Howard was the clear favorite to start for the Buckeyes. Howard started 28 games for Kansas State and led the Wildcats to the 2022 Big 12 championship. Last summer, Brown also faced off against Kyle McCord, who has since gone to Syracuse, and ended up starting. Although Julian Sayin, a transfer from Alabama, and other players were considered, Howard will start for No. 2 Ohio State versus Akron on August 31.
“We’re really excited about Will being the starter,” Day stated. “He truly is now leading the attack. In the huddle, you can feel him and his experience. He’s become a threat with both his legs and his arm after doing a great job of changing his body during the offseason. The more he comprehends his actions in the field, the better he is doing.”
With 48 career touchdown passes, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Howard set a Kansas State record. Last fall, he also tied the team record for most touchdown passes in a single season with 24. Throughout his career, he has accounted for 67 touchdowns and 5,786 throwing yards. Early in January, Howard declared his intention to move to Ohio State.
Day stated that while Sayin is still a candidate for the No. 2 spot, Ohio State’s backup quarterback will be Brown, a junior with eight career appearances. Sayin, who is ranked as the ninth prospect by ESPN for the 2024 class, moved from Alabama to Ohio State in January.
Over the previous seven to ten days of camp, Howard distinguished himself from the other competitors, according to Day.
“Will’s earned it,” offensive coordinator Chip Kelly stated in his first year. “We obviously grade everything, and Will graded out the highest.”
