Will Howard: The Unsung Hero Who Could Become an Ohio State Legend
As the calendar flips to the final game of the college football season, one name seems to be lingering under the radar for many, despite an outstanding season that has quietly built him into one of the most important figures on the Ohio State roster: Will Howard. With the Buckeyes set to face off for a National Championship on Monday, Howard has the chance to lead his team to glory and cement his legacy in the annals of Ohio State football history.
The quarterback position at Ohio State has long been a focal point of scrutiny and celebration.
From the iconic play of players like Troy Smith, Justin Fields, and Dwayne Haskins, the Buckeyes have consistently boasted some of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. Howard, however, has found himself in a peculiar position.
While he is undeniably one of the most valuable assets on the team, much of the attention this season has been on other players, particularly the team’s skill position stars and defense.
Despite this, Howard has consistently done everything asked of him, leading his team with poise, precision, and an innate ability to perform under pressure.
For much of the season, Howard has played with a chip on his shoulder, and for good reason. As a transfer from Kansas State, many doubted his ability to rise to the level of competition that a program like Ohio State demands.
Yet, Howard has exceeded expectations, providing a steady and reliable presence at quarterback.
His leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success, but his individual performances often get overshadowed by flashy highlight reels from running backs or wide receivers.
One of the reasons Howard has often gone unnoticed is the stacked roster around him. Ohio State is a football powerhouse with elite athletes at nearly every position. The team’s offensive line, receivers, and defense often steal the spotlight, which leaves Howard quietly steering the ship from behind the scenes.
But this doesn’t take away from his importance.
In many ways, Howard has done exactly what has been needed of him — managing the game, avoiding mistakes, and making crucial plays when called upon.
His ability to execute in critical moments has been a defining characteristic of his play this season. Whether it was in the dramatic Big Ten Championship Game or a crucial regular-season victory, Howard has stepped up in big moments, providing the stability the Buckeyes needed to keep their title hopes alive.
One of the most impressive facets of Howard’s game is his poise under pressure.
He’s not the type of quarterback who will often dominate a game with highlight-reel plays.
Instead, he thrives in the nuances of the game: making quick decisions, reading defenses, and delivering passes with accuracy. In some ways, he embodies the philosophy of Ohio State football itself—grinding through adversity, staying focused on the task at hand, and letting the results speak for themselves.
Despite his quiet leadership, Howard has the opportunity to achieve something that would forever etch his name in the history of Ohio State football.
Winning a national title would not only provide Howard with the ultimate validation but also elevate him to legendary status in the Buckeyes’ storied history.
A national title is the pinnacle of achievement for any program, but for a school like Ohio State, it’s the moment that defines the careers of players and coaches alike.
Howard’s role in capturing that elusive title could be what cements his place among the greats, despite his relatively low profile this season.
It’s also worth considering the significance of this championship to Howard’s personal journey. Coming from Kansas State, Howard wasn’t exactly the “big-name” recruit, nor was he a highly touted transfer. Yet, through hard work and perseverance, he’s found himself leading one of the most prestigious college football programs in the country on the sport’s biggest stage. Should the Buckeyes emerge victorious on Monday, Howard’s story will be remembered as one of growth, resilience, and undeniable leadership.
The opportunity to lead Ohio State to a national title is not something that many get to experience, and it’s a moment that can define a player’s legacy forever.
If Howard can play the role of an efficient and effective game manager while also rising to the occasion in critical moments, he will not only ensure a victory for Ohio State but also secure his own place in Buckeye lore.
In a sport that often rewards the flashy quarterback with the big arm and the eye-popping stats, Howard has proven that leadership and consistency can be just as valuable.
The Buckeyes’ path to a national title will likely require more than just Howard’s steady play.
The team will need to rely on its defense, special teams, and explosive playmakers. However, it is at quarterback where a team’s fortunes can often change in a single moment.
Howard’s ability to remain calm in the face of adversity, make smart decisions, and lead his teammates will be what ultimately determines whether Ohio State can capture the ultimate prize.
For Ohio State fans, Monday’s game represents more than just another shot at a championship. It’s an opportunity for redemption, for reclaiming a title that has long eluded the program.
For Howard, it’s a chance to prove that his quiet leadership and unheralded success were exactly what this team needed. Should the Buckeyes walk off the field with the national championship trophy, Howard’s name will be forever linked with the legends who have come before him.
In the end, football is a team sport, and while Howard may not be the flashiest player on the field, his leadership and execution make him the heartbeat of this Ohio State team. Winning a national championship would solidify his place as one of the most important quarterbacks in Ohio State history, regardless of how much credit he’s received during the season.
He has a unique opportunity to take a relatively low-profile season and transform it into a lasting legacy.
It’s a testament to the power of quiet determination and a reminder that sometimes the greatest legends are born not from headlines and hype but from hard work and success when it matters most.
Will Howard may not have received the credit he deserves this season, but with a national championship, he can make sure his name is etched in Ohio State football history forever.
