If you’ve been following the chaos of the last college football season, you know exactly why people are asking is Will Howard going to the NFL. The guy just finished a monster year at Ohio State. He didn't just play; he won a National Championship.
He’s already there. Honestly, the question isn’t if he’s going, but whether he can actually stick.
The Pittsburgh Steelers snatched him up in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a late-night flyer on a guy who, just months earlier, was hoisting a trophy in a cloud of confetti. But life in the league moves fast. One minute you’re the king of Columbus, the next you’re the third-stringer watching Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph from the sidelines.
The Ohio State Jump and the 2025 Draft
Will Howard’s path wasn't a straight line. Most people forget he spent four years at Kansas State before the Buckeyes called. He was good in Manhattan, but he wasn’t "NFL starter" good. Then he hit the portal.
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At Ohio State, things clicked. He put up 4,010 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. He completed over 73% of his passes. That's absurd efficiency. Critics say he was carried by the best roster in the country, but you still have to make the throws. In the CFP title game against Notre Dame, he went 17-for-21. You don't do that by accident.
Despite the ring and the stats, NFL scouts were lukewarm. They saw a 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame that looks like a quarterback from central casting, but they worried about his "play-making" outside of a perfect system. That’s why he fell to the sixth round.
Will Howard in the NFL: The Pittsburgh Situation
Right now, Howard is buried. The Steelers brought in Aaron Rodgers to chase a Super Bowl, leaving Howard to soak up knowledge like a sponge. It’s a "redshirt" year in the pros.
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But here is the catch. Rodgers isn't 25. He’s likely gone by 2026. This creates a massive vacuum in the Steelers' locker room. Fans are already arguing on Reddit and Twitter about whether the team should draft a "real" franchise guy like LaNorris Sellers or Drew Allar in the 2026 first round, or if they should actually give Howard a shot.
Why the NFL is Skeptical
- Mechanics: He’s got a bit of a "wind-up" in his delivery that faster NFL edge rushers can exploit.
- The "System" Label: Playing for Chip Kelly at Ohio State is great for stats, but it doesn't always translate to reading complex NFL coverages.
- Age: He’ll be 24 soon. In the NFL, that’s "old" for a developmental prospect.
What Happens in 2026?
The 2026 offseason is the fork in the road for Will Howard. If he shows out in the 2026 preseason, he could realistically challenge Mason Rudolph for the QB2 spot. If the Steelers pass on a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 draft, that is a massive vote of confidence for Howard.
If they do take a QB early? Well, then Howard is likely looking at a career as a high-end backup.
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There's no shame in that. Being a backup in the league pays millions. But for a guy who just led one of the most storied programs in history to a title, "backup" probably isn't the goal. He’s got the size. He’s got the arm strength. He just needs the game to slow down.
The Verdict on Will Howard's Pro Career
So, is Will Howard going to the NFL and staying there? He's on a roster. He has the hardware. But the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" business.
He didn't see the field much in 2025. That was expected. The real test comes this summer. If he can't beat out veteran placeholders, his window might close before it ever really opened.
What You Should Watch For
- 2026 Preseason Snaps: This is his Super Bowl. He needs to show he can move the chains without a deck of five-star receivers.
- Steelers' 2026 Draft Board: If Pittsburgh stays away from QBs in the first three rounds, Howard is officially "the guy" they are developing.
- Delivery Speed: Watch his release. If it’s faster and more compact than his Ohio State tape, he’s been working.
If you're a betting person, don't count him out. He was a three-star recruit who ended up a National Champ. He’s used to people doubting the ceiling.
Actionable Insight: Keep a close eye on the Steelers' undrafted free agent signings and early 2026 mock drafts. If the "insiders" start linking Pittsburgh to top-tier college QBs, it’s a sign the front office doesn’t think Howard is the long-term answer. Conversely, if they focus on offensive line and defense, the Will Howard era might actually be a possibility.