Ohio State's Smith has big hopes for Howard's NFL future

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith has big hopes for Will Howard's NFL future

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 11:56 PM ET

Jeremiah Smith is one of the best wide receivers in college football and he's only just finished his freshman season. The Ohio State phenom may not be an NFL Draft evaluator, but he does feel very strongly about his quarterback, Will Howard, after the two helped Ohio State with the national championship.

“Just showed the type of quarterback he is,” Smith after OSU's 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the CFP title game (h/t On3). “In my eyes he’s a first round draft pick. Will’s a great leader on and off the field as well. He just had a great week of preparation leading us to this victory tonight.”

"In my eyes he's a first round draft pick."

Jeremiah Smith had some high praise for his quarterback Will Howard pic.twitter.com/7IsvLr9zzi
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 21, 2025

Howard was a "super senior" at Ohio State. He transferred for this exact change, to win it all, after four seasons at Kansas State.

In all, he brings a nice blend of arm and ability to be a power runner at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds. He's likely not the next Josh Allen, but he absolutely should has some sort of future in the NFL.

Howard completed 17-of-21 passes in the CFP championship game for 231 yards and two touchdowns with no picks. He also rushed 16 times for 57 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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