Steelers insider reveals unfortunate short term news for former Ohio State QB Will Howard, but it could end up a blessing in disguise

Will Howard couldn’t have asked for a better graduate transfer year than the one he had in Columbus with the Ohio State Buckeyes last season.

After four seasons at Kansas State, Howard transferred to Ohio State to help the Buckeyes contend for a national championship and boosted his draft stock in the process.

Howard likely wouldn’t have been drafted after his time at Kansas State where he wasn’t all that productive, but his time at Ohio State helped him improve enough to be selected in the sixth round. He’s now home in Pennsylvania and has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are currently facing some uncertainty at quarterback, that doesn’t mean Howard is expected to play early on.

Steelers Insider Weighs In on Will Howard’s Outlook for Year 1

The Steelers are awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers, who they hope can be their quarterback for the 2025 season. As of now, Mason Rudolph would be the starter if the season began today. According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, Howard isn’t even expected to compete for the job in his rookie year.

“I don’t think they have any designs on letting a sixth-round rookie compete for the starting job this year. That is not the plan,” Dulac recently wrote.

That might not be a bad thing for Howard, who still needs to earn a roster spot as a late-round pick. Sitting behind a future Hall of Fame quarterback like Rodgers could be hugely beneficial. Howard has the mindset of a learner and the leadership qualities to absorb everything he can from a veteran presence.