Why Will Howard Deserves More Attention in College Football

Will Howard remains overlooked despite his impressive skills and potential impact in college football.

Will Howard has had an impressive season as the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In his first and only year with the program, he has thrown for a remarkable 3,779 yards, along with 33 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. His completion rate stands at an impressive 72.6%, and he has also contributed seven rushing touchdowns. This performance has propelled the Buckeyes to the brink of their ninth national title in program history.

Recognition and Praise

Despite his stellar performance, Howard has not garnered the attention he deserves as a potential 2025 NFL draft prospect. Recently, sports commentator Pat McAfee highlighted this oversight. He stated, “Everybody’s talking about Shedeur (Sanders), Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Cam Ward. Nobody’s talking about Will Howard, except for us. And I didn’t talk about Will Howard all year.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among fans and analysts alike regarding Howard’s visibility on the national stage.

McAfee further elaborated on Howard’s past achievements, recalling his time at Kansas State. “I didn’t talk about Will Howard last year when he was the Big 12 Player of the Year at Kansas State. They went to overtime against this Texas team as a Kansas State Wildcat,” he noted. This acknowledgment of Howard’s previous success adds weight to the argument that he deserves more recognition this season.

Howard’s Unique Skill Set

What makes Howard stand out? His physical attributes certainly play a role. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 240 pounds, he possesses the size and strength that NFL teams covet. McAfee praised his ability to lead, mentioning, “He hasn’t even run that much this year in this Chip Kelly offense because they don’t need it because of all the weapons they have on the outside.” This versatility showcases Howard’s adaptability and intelligence on the field.

Moreover, McAfee expressed his disbelief at the projections for Howard’s draft stock. “I think Mel Kiper is projecting him to be in the fourth round. I am baffled by that, especially with what he’s been doing on the biggest stages that you can get in college ball.” Such comments highlight the disconnect between Howard’s performance and public perception, raising questions about how he will be evaluated come draft day.

Howard’s Response to Criticism

In an interview with Adam King of 10TV, Howard addressed the lack of credit he feels he has received. “Obviously, people say things and it feels like I just keep getting – you know, nobody really wants to give me any credit, but, you know, I love that,” he stated. “Keep it coming, man. As much motivation as I can get, I’m going to take, and I love people challenging me.” This resilience and determination to prove doubters wrong is a testament to his character and work ethic.

As the Buckeyes prepare for their upcoming showdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Howard has one last opportunity to showcase his talents on a grand stage. This game could be pivotal not only for his college career but also for his future in the NFL.

Looking Ahead

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Howard and the Buckeyes as they approach the championship game. A strong performance could elevate his draft stock significantly, potentially shifting the narrative surrounding him. The national spotlight will be on him, and fans are eager to see if he can deliver under pressure.

With the championship title on the line, Howard’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be crucial. He has already demonstrated his capability to lead a team through adversity, and this game will be no different. As he steps onto the field, the eyes of scouts and fans alike will be watching closely.

In conclusion, Will Howard’s journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. From his impressive stats to his resilience in the face of criticism, he has proven himself a capable leader for the Buckeyes. As the national championship approaches, all eyes will be on him, and the outcome could very well shape his future in the NFL. Will he rise to the occasion and secure his place among the elite quarterbacks in college football? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Howard is ready to embrace the challenge.

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