Will Howard can give Ohio State the run threat it needs

There are no guarantees, especially at a place like Ohio State, but there’s a strong chance that Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard will be the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback in 2024.

That’s good news for OSU, too, because if anything, Howard is an experienced college football player. He threw for 5,786 yards and 48 touchdowns in four seasons at Kansas State with just 15 interceptions. 

He also rushed plenty and ended up with nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns for K-State, so he brings an element of surprise on the ground that OSU can use to its advantage — especially with Chip Kelly running the offense.

But is there too much pressure on Howard? Going from Kansas State to Ohio State, where championships are the expectation, could be quite a jump.

“This is a guy who goes from Kansas State to Ohio State, will be surrounded by more talent than he’s ever seen before in his life, but will be expected to win the national title,” Andy Staples of On3 recently explained of Howard.

Yes, the pressure will be on Howard, but back to his strengths … he does project to be a difference-maker downfield.

Per On3’s Clark Brooks, Howard perfectly placed 61% of his throws from 11 to 20 yards downfield as a Wildcat.

He also has that running ability, which could be an X-factor for the Buckeyes, especially when combined with Howard’s accuracy downfield.

“Kyle McCord, he was a fairly consistent down-to-down passer, it’s just that he pressed a little too much, and those mistakes cost Ohio State where they wanted to go,” Brooks explained. “So I think [Howard] can not throw the ball into harm’s way, add a little more potency, and with that sturdy lower body, add a little more of an element in the true running game.”

Of course, Howard still has to win the starting job and that’s not yet a guarantee, but there is reason to believe he can lead OSU to great success in 2024.