Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard had more adversity in the 2025 NFL Draft than he had in just about any moment during his lone season with the Buckeyes. While Ohio State lost twice in the 2024 regular season before going on a historic run to win the National Championship, Howard was never the reason why the team struggled.
He proved to be a godsend for the program, and he expected his gamble in transferring to Ohio State from Kansas State to boost his NFL stock. Going 185th overall in the sixth round was still too late for a player who was taken three rounds later than his Big Ten nemesis, Dillon Gabriel.
But none of the negativity mattered when the call finally came.
Unsurprising to Buckeye fans who watched the senior pull off clutch plays throughout his season, Howard had the right instinct that Pittsburgh would be his new home.
"Please pick me, Pittsburgh. Please pick me, please!", he said.
Will Howard manifested the @Steelers drafting him:
— NFL (@NFL) April 29, 2025
"Please pick me, Pittsburgh. Please pick me, please!" #HeyRookie Season Finale airs 9:30 pm ET tonight on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/qwNIEs7Uw4
Howard is now part of a Steelers quarterback room that is still very much in flux. There's ongoing speculation about the potential for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to sign with Pittsburgh at some point, but as of now, there's been no development.
Currently, Howard has a genuine chance to compete for the starting position. If there are no significant additions to the roster, he'll be vying for the role alongside Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.
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