Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard transfers to Ohio State after former QB Kyle McCord left, could this be their answer at the position?
COLUMBUS, OHIO– Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard has transferred to Ohio State. The news comes right off the heels of news that previous Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord will transfer to Syracuse. The move provides an immediate remedy to a leaderless team with the Buckeyes.
Ohio State suffered a late season collapse in 2023, ruining an otherwise perfect season by losing to Michigan, a must-win for the Buckeyes in order to make the College Football Playoff. They also lost in the Cotton Bowl to Missouri in their bowl game that originally had Devin Brown starting.
The Buckeyes have Brown returning, while also having signed five-star quarterback prospect Air Noland. It’s easy to say that Howard would take the starting spot purely off the basis of experience alone, however there might be a quarterback battle in Columbus behind Howard.
Whoever loses the battle may enter the portal in spring, but it’s clear that Ohio State has their quarterback for the 2024 season. In 2023, McCord completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns. Howard on the other hand completed 61.3% of his attempts, going for 2,643 yards, and 24 touchdowns. Howard did play in a different offense at Kansas State, one that emphasized more runs. It’s also important to note that Howard is a four year starter, bringing valuable experience to the team.
Ohio State still has to bulk up on other positions, mainly the offensive line to protect their new investment, but a huge monkey is off the Buckeyes’ back. Howard isn’t the next coming of Caleb Williams however, instead opting for a gunslinging mentality. Proper mechanics still need to be fixed, and with 31 turnovers in his four years playing, it’s crucial that the Buckeyes staff plays to his game properly.
