Breaking: 5-star quarterback Will Howard (6 ft 4 in, 236 lbs) has decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and chosen the Tennessee Volunteers over the Kentucky Wildcats and Florida State Seminoles. Welcome to the Tennessee family!..
Will Howard, the 6-foot-4, 236-pound quarterback, has announced his decision to decommit from the Ohio State Buckeyes and commit to the Tennessee Volunteers. This unexpected move has sent ripples through the college football community, as Howard was anticipated to be a pivotal player for Ohio State in the upcoming season.
Howard’s journey has been marked by significant transitions. He began his collegiate career at Kansas State, where he showcased his potential and developed into a formidable quarterback. Following the 2023 season, Howard entered the transfer portal on November 27, 2023, and by January 4, 2024, he committed to Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over other programs like Miami and USC.
During his tenure at Ohio State, Howard made a substantial impact. In the 2024 season, he completed 309 of his 423 pass attempts, amassing 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. His performance placed him among the top quarterbacks nationally, and he became only the third Ohio State quarterback to surpass 4,000 passing yards in a season.
However, the season was not without its challenges. A notable setback occurred during the regular-season finale against Michigan, where Howard threw two interceptions, contributing to a 13-10 loss. This defeat was a significant blow to the Buckeyes, impacting their postseason aspirations.
Despite this, Howard demonstrated resilience. In the College Football Playoffs, he led Ohio State to a commanding 42-17 victory over Tennessee, delivering an impressive performance with 311 passing yards and two touchdowns. His leadership and skill were evident, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier quarterback.
The decision to decommit from Ohio State and join the Tennessee Volunteers has surprised many. Howard’s commitment to Tennessee over programs like Kentucky and Florida State indicates a strategic move, possibly influenced by the evolving dynamics within the Volunteers’ football program and the opportunities it presents for his collegiate career.
Tennessee’s football program has been actively seeking to bolster its roster with high-caliber talent, and securing a commitment from a player of Howard’s caliber aligns with their objectives. Howard’s experience and proven track record are expected to be invaluable assets as the Volunteers aim to enhance their competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
This transition also underscores the fluid nature of college football commitments in the era of the transfer portal. Athletes are increasingly making decisions that align with their personal and professional goals, leading to dynamic shifts within collegiate programs.
As Howard embarks on this new chapter with the Tennessee Volunteers, expectations are high. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how his integration into the team unfolds and the impact he will have on Tennessee’s performance in the upcoming season.
In summary, Will Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State and subsequent commitment to Tennessee mark a significant development in college football. His journey reflects the complexities and opportunities within the sport, and his future with the Volunteers holds promise for both him and the program.
