ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on X that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day told the team this morning that they will be moving forward without starting quarterback Will Howard.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on X that Ohio State head coach Ryan Day told the team this morning that they will be moving forward without starting quarterback Will Howard.

Ohio State to Move Forward Without Starting QB Will Howard, Ryan Day Announces

In a surprising turn of events, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day informed his team this morning that the program will be moving forward without starting quarterback Will Howard.

The news, first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on X (formerly Twitter), has sent ripples through Buckeye Nation as fans and analysts try to piece together what led to the sudden shift.

Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, was brought in with high expectations.

His experience, poise under pressure, and leadership were seen as key components in Ohio State’s strategy heading into the 2025 season.

After battling through a competitive spring and earning the starting job, his presence was expected to bring a new dimension to the Buckeyes’ offense.

But as of today, that chapter has come to an unexpected end.

A Sudden Shift

According to Thamel’s report, Day addressed the team early Monday morning with a short but clear message: Will Howard would no longer be the starting quarterback, and the team would move in a different direction.

No further details were immediately provided about the reasoning behind the change, but sources close to the program have indicated that a combination of factors may have contributed — from on-field performance to internal dynamics.

The Buckeyes have a deep quarterback room, including promising young talents like Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance during spring practices.

It’s possible that one of them impressed enough to force a tough decision from Day and his staff.

What This Means for Ohio State

This decision adds a layer of intrigue to what was already a pivotal season for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.

Coming off a season filled with high expectations and a bitter loss to Michigan, Day’s program has been under the microscope.

The choice to part ways with a veteran quarterback like Howard could be seen as a bold, even risky, move — or one that signals confidence in the program’s younger talent.

For fans, the news is both jarring and concerning.

Many had pinned hopes on Howard’s ability to provide stability under center.

Now, with a new name likely to take the reins, questions abound about how prepared the next man up truly is.

What’s Next for Will Howard?

It remains unclear whether Howard will enter the transfer portal again, take time away from football, or consider his professional options.

Given his experience and track record, he would likely be a sought-after addition for quarterback-needy programs across the country — assuming he still wishes to play.

Neither Howard nor the Ohio State football program has released an official statement as of this writing.

A Developing Story

With spring practices nearing their end and the season just a few months away, all eyes will be on Columbus to see how this decision plays out. For now, one thing is certain: the Buckeyes are turning the page, and the future of their quarterback position is once again wide open.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.