Getty Image / Ezra Shaw
The Ohio State quarterback situation was very unclear when 2023 starting quarterback Kyle McCord announced his intention to enter the transfer portal in early December. With former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard announcing his decision to transfer to the Buckeyes on Thursday, we have some clarity. But, there are plenty of questions going forward, as well.
Will Howard announced the news on his social media Thursday evening.
https://twitter.com/whoward_/status/1743061630366138652/photo/1
First, some quick background on Howard. He’s a native of suburban Philadelphia and was a three-star recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. At Kansas State, he started nine games as a freshman before sitting behind Nebraska transfer Adrian Martinez in 2021 and parts of 2022. But, he broke out in a big way in 2023, with 2643 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions through the air with another 351 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground as he led Kansas State to an 8-4 record. But, the writing was on the wall for Howard, who was likely going to be replaced by highly-touted freshman Avery Johnson next season.
He’s a good enough quarterback, but Is he an upgrade over Kyle McCord, who Ohio State lowballed in terms of NIL in a clear sign that he wasn’t valued?
McCord threw for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions as the Buckeyes went 11-1. He was far from perfect, but Ohio State fans treated him like he was playing like Nebraska’s Jeff Sims and just ruining the offense. Plus, this would be his fourth year in Ryan Day’s system, whereas Howard will have to learn it quickly.
It’s a reasonable argument on who is the better quarterback between the two, no matter whose side you’re on. But, is Will Howard the type of guy you force out a quarterback who had the 8th-best QBR in the country for? Ohio State fans will tell you right now that it is, but I don’t think this is the guy they envisioned landing in the portal when McCord left.
THe one thing Howard will bring to the offense is more of a running threat. That’s a part of the Ohio State offense we haven’t seen much the last few years with CJ Stroud and McCord, who committed to Syracuse, under center.
Some thought they were going to stick with quarterbacks Devin Brown and Lincoln Keinholz next year and not bring someone in from the portal. But, both of them struggled in the team’s 14-3 Cotton Bowl loss to Missouri last week, and the need for a transfer portal quarterback became pressing.
With five-star quarterback Air Noland set to arrive on campus shortly as part of the Buckeyes’ 2024 recruiting class, it remains to be seen whether the 2022 recruit, Brown, and the 2023 recruit, Keinholz, will stick around in Columbus.
Next year is a big year for Ohio State and Head Coach Ryan Day. Three straight losses to Michigan mean the natives have grown restless in Columbus. Another season that falls short of Ohio State’s lofty standards could put Ryan Day on the unemployment line. He’s hoping that Will Howard will be the guy to save his job.