The Ohio State Buckeyes will go with Kansas State transfer Will Howard at QB. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, Howard set a Kansas State record with 48 career touchdown passes and matched the team’s single-season record with 24 touchdowns last fall. With 5,786 career passing yards and 67 total touchdowns to his name, he made headlines by announcing his transfer to Ohio State in early January.
Coach Ryan Day confirmed that Devin Brown, a junior with eight career appearances, will serve as Ohio State’s backup quarterback, although Julian Sayin is still in the running for the second-string position. Sayin, who transferred from Alabama to Ohio State in January, is ranked as ESPN’s No. 9 recruit for the 2024 class.
Will Howard was selected as Ohio State’s starting quarterback due to a combination of his experience, decision-making skills, and athleticism. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly highlighted that Howard’s experience in playing college football, despite being new to Columbus, was a significant factor. Howard has been in huddles during many games, including high-pressure situations, which allowed his experience to shine during training camp
Kelly emphasized that decision-making is crucial for a quarterback, as it involves making the right play calls and avoiding risky throws. Howard demonstrated strong decision-making abilities, along with repetitive accuracy and athleticism, which were key factors in his selection. Additionally, his capability to contribute to the run game was seen as a major advantage, with Howard reaching a speed of 22 MPH over the summer at 236 pounds. This athleticism adds a dynamic element to Ohio State’s offense, requiring defenses to account for his running ability