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Potential No. 1 overall draft pick stands up for Ohio State QB Will Howard after 2025 NFL Scouting Combine performance

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 8:38 AM ET

Draft prospects gathered in Indianapolis, Indiana this past weekend to take part in the NFL Scouting Combine. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, many prospects are opting to wait until Ohio State’s Pro Day to test and do on-field workouts.

A few Buckeyes did test and do on-field workouts in front of NFL decision-makers. Ohio State QB Will Howard didn’t test but he did take part in throwing drills.

Howard had a solid day all in all with some throws that he wishes he could have back. There were a ton of Ohio State fans in attendance at the combine and cheered loudly for him. However, some boos were heard at times too when Howard would sail a pass or just miss the wideout.

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders is seen as one of the top two quarterbacks in this draft and could potentially go No. 1 overall. Sanders took to X (Twitter) to stand up for the Ohio State quarterback.

“I don't understand y'all hating on @whoward he just won a natty. It's hard to throw to WR's that you don't know, everyone run routes different!”

I don’t understand y’all hating on @whoward_ he just won a natty. It’s hard to throw to WR’s that you don’t know, everyone run routes different !
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) March 2, 2025

Howard cleared 4,000 yards passing at Ohio State this season and went 14-2 as the start on his way to a National Championship win. Ohio State took a gamble on him to replace Kyle McCord after he transferred to Syracuse and it could not have worked out better for the Buckeyes.

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Before arriving in Columbus, Howard was likely a UDFA to get into the NFL. Now, the Buckeye could hear his name called on Day 2 of the draft. It was quite the ride for the former Kansas State standout.

Sanders knows a thing or two about outside noise and hearing criticism. The potential top draft pick taking a stand for Howard just goes to show the good character that has been talked about often with him.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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