It's no surprise that the Ohio State Buckeyes didn't take long to fill the void at starting quarterback, but coach Ryan Day and staff hardly got just anyone to replace Kyle McCord.
Kansas State transfer Will Howard is headed to Columbus after announcing his commitment to the Buckeyes on Wednesday. He brings with him a ton of experience after playing four years for K-State, where he won a Big 12 title and finished first in program history in passing touchdowns.
But it was time for a new journey. In an interview with ESPN, Howard revealed the deciding factors that led him to committing to Ohio State.
"When I started talking to Ohio State, everything kind of lined up," Howard said. "I had a list of things I was looking for, in terms of needing to go somewhere where there was a lot of talent around me and somewhere I could compete for a national championship.
" ... The goal I have, I want to go win a national championship. At the end of the day, I want to go be a starting quarterback in the NFL. ... I feel like the best place to stick as a quarterback in the NFL is as a first- or second-round pick in the NFL draft. Going to Ohio State gives me a chance to make a jump and leap into that conversation."
Howard helped lead K-State to a Big 12 title and an appearance in the Sugar Bowl last season before posting career-best numbers in 2023. He finished this season 219 of 357 passing for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He added 81 carries for 351 yards, nine rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Talk about doing it all.
Over the past two seasons, Howard and the Wildcats proved they were on the verge of being among the nation's best after that conference title in 2022, but fell one too many losses short of ever having a chance at the College Football Playoff.
Now, he gets a chance to use his experience to take over a Buckeyes team that will have its work cut out next season in the new-look Big Ten. But with the bright lights and the tough competition in front of him, Howard will have a make-or-break shot at changing his career path thanks to the spotlight in Columbus.
More must-reads: