Former Notre Dame QB Takes Disrespectful Shot At Ohio State’s Will Howard

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jan 12, 2025 3:38 PM ET

One might believe there's a certain fraternity among college football players--a community. Where former players don't go after current players and vice versa, like an unspoken agreement where each group acknowledges the unique experience and hardships of being a student-athlete.

But what's the fun in that?

Former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire, who played for the Fighting Irish from 2013 to 2016, had some trash talk at the ready when discussing Ohio State's quarterback Will Howard.

"All the great QBs Ohio State has had the last 15 yrs and Howard is def the worst one by far and ostate fans are trying to convince me that he’s gonna lead them to the chip?!?! Lmao ok," said Zaire.

"I’d even take the OG Jalin Marshall at QB before Howard!!!!!!!!"

All the great QBs Ohio State has had the last 15 yrs and Howard is def the worst one by far and ostate fans are trying to convince me that he’s gonna lead them to the chip?!?! Lmao ok

I’d even take the OG Jalin Marshall at QB before Howard!!!!!!!!
— Malik Zaire (@MalikZaire8) January 12, 2025

Going back 15 years in naming the Week 1 starter, the Buckeyes have had Terrelle Pryor, Joe Bauserman, Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett, Cardale Jones, Dwayne Haskins (RIP), Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, Kyle McCord and Howard.

Marshall, also named by Zaire in his comments, played for the buckeyes as a wide receiver and kick returner. He was included because he was a big-time quarterback prospect in high school at Middleton (OH).

Zaire didn't set the world on fire during his time at Notre Dame or his 2017 season with the Florida Gators. In 20 games over his four collegiate seasons, he passed for 1,165 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. He also added 363 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Across all of Zaire's appearances, he went 7-13.

Howard has passed for 3,779 yards, 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his one season with the Buckeyes. Over his five-year college career, he has 9,565 passing yards, 81 touchdowns and 35 interceptions.

The No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes play the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff championship on January 20. Ohio State opened as 9.5-point favorites per ESPN BET, but the line has narrowed to 8.5 points.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: