He wasn't supposed to be the guy. Not really. When Will Howard first hopped into the transfer portal after four years at Kansas State, the collective groan from some corners of the Buckeyes' fanbase was almost audible. People wanted a flashy, five-star savior with a rocket for an arm. Instead, they got a 6-foot-4, 237-pound "bridge" quarterback.
It turns out that bridge led straight to a trophy.
Looking back from 2026, the howard qb ohio state era feels like a fever dream that actually worked. Howard didn't just manage the game; he fundamentally changed how Ryan Day’s offense operated. He brought a certain "grown man" strength to a position that had recently felt a bit too fragile in Columbus.
The Gamble That Paid Off in Gold
When Howard arrived in January 2024, he was choosing between Ohio State, Miami, and USC. He chose the Buckeyes for one reason: he wanted to win a "natty." Honestly, most analysts thought he was the safe floor, not the high ceiling. But something clicked during that 16-game gauntlet.
Howard finished the 2024 season with some absurd numbers that still look a bit weird in the record books. He threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns. He didn't just throw, though. He ran. He bulldozed. He gave the Buckeyes a short-yardage threat they hadn't seen since the J.T. Barrett days.
The critics always pointed to his "average" arm talent. They said he couldn't drive the ball into tight windows. Maybe they were right. But you know what? He completed 73% of his passes. He was clinical. He was basically a 235-pound surgeon in a helmet.
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That Michigan Game and the Redemption
If we're being real, things almost fell apart in late November. Howard had his worst game of the year against Michigan, throwing two interceptions and looking rattled for the first time. The Buckeyes lost, and the "I told you so" crowd was out in full force.
But then the 12-team playoff happened.
Howard went on a tear that redefined his legacy. He wasn't just "Will the Thrill"; he was "Will the Winner." He took down No. 7 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon in a rematch, and No. 3 Texas. By the time he hit the National Championship against Notre Dame, he looked untouchable.
In that title game, Howard went 17-of-21. He set a CFP record with 13 consecutive completions. He didn't just win; he was the Offensive MVP. The guy everyone called a "stop-gap" was suddenly the first Ohio State QB to hoist that specific trophy in a decade.
Why the Steelers Took a Chance
The NFL wasn't exactly sold on Howard's long-term potential as a superstar. He turned 24 right as his rookie year started. That's "old" in scout-speak. He also had a pretty shaky throwing session at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine that had people whispering about his mechanics.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't care. They saw a guy with 44 college starts and a National Championship ring. They took him at No. 185 overall in the sixth round.
It was a classic "football guy" move.
- Experience: You can't teach 50 career games.
- Size: He’s built like a linebacker but processes like a CPA (he literally has an accounting degree).
- Efficiency: Leading the nation in play-action completion percentage isn't a fluke.
The Sayin Era and Howard's Legacy
Now that we're in 2026, the conversation in Columbus has shifted to Julian Sayin. Sayin is the Ferrari. He’s the Heisman finalist who makes throws Howard probably couldn't dream of. But ask any coach in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, and they’ll tell you Sayin is only in this position because Howard stabilized the ship.
Howard proved that Ohio State didn't need a miracle worker; they needed a leader who wouldn't blink. He survived chest injuries, head hits, and the most intense pressure in college sports.
He left with 9,994 career passing yards. So close to 10k it almost hurts.
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Moving Forward with the Howard Blueprint
If you're a college program looking at the portal, the howard qb ohio state story is the blueprint. You don't always need the No. 1 overall recruit. Sometimes you just need the guy who’s already been through the fire.
The Steelers are currently developing him as a high-end backup who can start in a pinch, and honestly, that’s exactly who he’s always been. A grinder. A winner. The guy who proved everybody wrong while wearing Scarlet and Gray.
For those looking to evaluate transfer portal quarterbacks in the future, keep these metrics in mind:
- Completion Percentage over 70%: This usually indicates a system-fit rather than just raw talent.
- Career Starts: Howard's 44 starts were his "secret sauce" during the playoff run.
- Short Yardage Rushing: A QB who can gain 2 yards on 3rd-and-1 changes the entire defensive scheme.
Next time Ohio State takes a "senior transfer" instead of a flashy freshman, maybe don't groan. It might just end with a parade.
Next Steps for Buckeyes Fans:
Keep an eye on Julian Sayin’s 2026 Heisman odds, which are currently sitting at +400 in most books. If you want to see how Howard’s style influenced the current offense, go back and watch the 2024 Cotton Bowl tape against Texas—it’s the definitive "Will Howard" game.