New Ohio State quarterback already thinking about 'The Game'

New Ohio State quarterback Will Howard did not waste any time acclimating himself to the football culture in Columbus.

Howard on Thursday announced his decision to transfer to Ohio State after four seasons with Kansas State.

In an interview with ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Howard was asked about the central role he now plays in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.

The 22-year-old is already refusing to mention his new rival school by name. Howard referred to them as the “Team Up North” and stated that beating the Wolverines is his top priority.

“That game means so much,” Howard told Thamel. The pressure is on. Beating that Team Up North is priority No. 1 on the way to the national championship and all our other goals. That’s huge, and it’s everything when it comes to playing for Ohio State. I know the implications and what it means to the fan base and everyone in the program. That’s the Team Up North now.”

Ohio State has lost their last three matchups against Michigan. The Buckeyes’ last win over their rivals came during head coach Ryan Day’s first full season as head coach back in 2019.

This season’s starter Kyle McCord struggled during the Michigan-Ohio State matchup in November. McCord, who recently lambasted reports about his exit from Ohio State, went 18-of-30 with two touchdowns and two interceptions thrown in the 30-24 loss to the Wolverines.

Howard replaces McCord after serving as Kansas State’s primary starter for the past two years. The dual-threat quarterback passed for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season and rushed for 351 yards and nine touchdowns. He led the Wildcats to the Big 12 championship in 2022. Kansas State went 9-4 this season.