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NFL insider gives positive update on Steelers QB Will Howard that Buckeye Nation will move to see

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 6:30 AM ET

Will Howard has experienced a significant rise in his football career over the past year, highlighted by his time in Columbus as an Ohio State Buckeye.

Howard boosted his draft stock while leading the Buckeyes to a National Championship in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

Now, he’s with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With veteran Aaron Rodgers expected to start, the situation could provide a valuable learning experience for the former Buckeye. Early reports are showing that Howard has already made a strong impression in Pittsburgh.

“From everything I’ve been told, this was a really good time for Will Howard, the Ohio State quarterback coming off a national title,” NFL insider Tom Pelissero told Rich Eisen last week. “Even though Mason Rudolph was taking the No. 1 reps, it sounds like Howard was really good through the practices. He’ll continue to get, I anticipate, a bunch of reps in minicamp next week.”

@TomPelissero

The @nflnetwork insider slept in today after the Aaron Rodgers waiting game came to an end Thursday with news the 4x MVP is heading to #HereWeGo — was this timeline always the plan?#NFL pic.twitter.com/eU5M0oS69G
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 6, 2025

OTAs should offer Howard even more opportunities to get reps, especially with a veteran like Rodgers not needing as many at this stage of his career. The best-case scenario is that Howard develops into a late-round gem, much like Brock Purdy did with the San Francisco 49ers. Even if he spends the 2025 season behind Rodgers and Rudolph, he could be in line to take a big step forward in 2026.

Before arriving at Ohio State, Howard was unlikely to be drafted. But his time with the Buckeyes allowed him to showcase his game on a bigger stage and improve as a passer. While there’s still room for growth, he has the traits teams look for in an NFL quarterback. Just as he did in Columbus, Howard is making an early impression in Pittsburgh.

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

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