Steelers Fans Get Warning About Will Howard Love Affair

There is a growing sect of Pittsburgh Steelers fans ready to turn the starting quarterback job over to Will Howard, but it's not a sentiment shared within the organization.

The Steelers are still trying to solve the issue of no starting quarterback for the 2026 season. While some clamor for Howard to get his shot, the organization has made their intention clear to add to the position group.

Howard is one of the options, but the team is reluctant to let the second-year QB take over. Some, like Bob Labriola in a recent article for Steelers.com, believe the fascination with Howard is closer to a love affair that might not hold up under pressure.

"Will Howard may know what it's like to win in college, but until Northwestern and Illinois are added to the AFC North or Howard at least makes it through an NFL preseason, I'm not handing over the keys to anything," he wrote. "And I have serious doubts whether this Steelers Nation-wide love affair with Howard will survive his first multi-interception game. Or even his first multi-interception practice in pads at Saint Vincent College."

Why Labriola is Right

Howard's time as the Ohio State quarterback was an indisputable success. During his final NCAA season, he led the Buckeyes to a national championship.

The only problem is that dozens of quarterbacks impress at the NCAA level each season. That alone does not earn the right to be a starter at the next level.

Labriola also correctly points out how much Howard has yet to experience in the NFL. Yes, he's an extremely accomplished NCAA player, but this is still an unproven second-year player. He hasn't even taken a snap of action in the uniform.

Despite all of that, there is an unwavering confidence that he is the man for the job.