College football fans love a good quarterback story, and Will Howard stats delivers one worth cheering for. As of March 21, 2025, this Ohio State Buckeyes signal-caller dominates headlines with jaw-dropping stats and a national championship under his belt. Howard’s journey from Kansas State to Columbus paints a picture of grit, growth, and pure talent. Let’s dive into his latest stats, explore what makes him tick, and see why NFL scouts buzz about his future.
From Downingtown to Stardom: Howard’s Early Days
Will Howard hails from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where he first showcased his skills at Downingtown West High School. He threw for 5,308 yards and 48 touchdowns during his high school career, earning the Maxwell Football Club Pennsylvania Player of the Year award in 2019. Howard also ran for 512 yards and 21 scores, proving his legs match his arm. Beyond football, he starred on the basketball court, racking up over 1,000 points and nabbing two All-Area selections.
Recruiters noticed his dual-threat ability, rating him a three-star prospect with over 20 scholarship offers. Howard picked Kansas State over Maryland, Minnesota, Rutgers, and others, enrolling early in January 2020. His high school numbers hinted at potential, but college football demands more than promise—it tests resilience. Howard’s story soon became one of perseverance.
Kansas State Years: Building the Foundation
Howard kicked off his college career as a backup to Skylar Thompson at Kansas State. Injuries thrust him into action as a freshman in 2020, starting seven games. He completed 90 of 165 passes for 1,178 yards, tossing eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Wildcats struggled, finishing 4-6, but Howard gained valuable experience. His completion rate hovered below 55%, signaling room for growth.
In 2021, Howard again played behind Thompson, starting three games due to injuries. He threw for 403 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, showing slight improvement. Kansas State leaned on his mobility, as he rushed for 139 yards and three scores. Still, the team went 1-2 in his starts, and Howard remained a work in progress.
Then came 2022—a breakout year. Howard battled Adrian Martinez for the starting job, taking over midseason. He led Kansas State to a 10-4 record and a Big 12 Championship, throwing for 1,633 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions. His completion percentage climbed to 59.8%, and he added 351 rushing yards with 10 scores. Howard set a school record with 48 career touchdown passes, cementing his legacy in Manhattan.
His final Kansas State season in 2023 solidified his reputation. Howard started all 13 games, passing for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He ran for 351 yards and nine touchdowns, earning Third Team All-Big 12 honors. However, Kansas State nudged him toward the transfer portal, seeking a younger quarterback. Howard’s next move changed everything.
Ohio State Transformation: A Career-Defining Leap
On January 4, 2024, Howard committed to Ohio State, joining a powerhouse program under coach Ryan Day. Named the starter on August 5, 2024, he stepped into a high-octane offense loaded with talent. Receivers like Emeka Egbuka and freshman Jeremiah Smith complemented running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Howard thrived in this system, rewriting his own record book.
The 2024 regular season saw Howard torch defenses, completing 249 of 343 passes for 4,010 yards—an Ohio State record. He threw 35 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, posting a 73% completion rate, second in the nation and first in the Big Ten. On the ground, he added 347 yards and seven scores. Despite a stunning upset loss to Michigan, Howard’s numbers dazzled analysts.
The postseason elevated him further. In the College Football Playoff, Howard guided Ohio State to a national championship on January 20, 2025, defeating Notre Dame. He completed 73.9% of his playoff passes (65 of 88) for 919 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. His Rose Bowl performance against Oregon—319 yards and three touchdowns—stunned onlookers. Named Offensive MVP of the title game, Howard capped his college career with a bang.
Breaking Down the 2024 Stats: What the Numbers Say
Howard’s 2024 stats reveal a quarterback hitting his stride. He averaged 286.4 passing yards per game across 14 contests, with a high of 389 against Penn State. His 35 touchdown passes tied for fifth nationally, while his 4,010 yards ranked among the top 10. Howard’s accuracy shone brightest—his 73% completion rate trailed only Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel.
Rushing remained a weapon, though less dominant than at Kansas State. Howard averaged 24.8 yards per game, with a season-long run of 41 yards against Nebraska. His seven rushing touchdowns included clutch scores in the playoffs. Turnovers dropped from his Kansas State days, with 10 interceptions marking a career-low rate of 2.9%.
Against top foes, Howard delivered. He threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns versus Oregon in the regular season, then outdid himself in the Rose Bowl rematch. His poise under pressure—evident in a 13-for-13 start in the title game—earned praise from coaches Chip Kelly and Ryan Day. Howard’s stats tell a tale of efficiency and explosiveness.
Strengths That Set Howard Apart
Howard boasts a rare blend of skills that make him stand out. His 6’4”, 236-pound frame gives him durability and presence in the pocket. Scouts love his arm strength—he zips passes into tight windows with velocity. At Ohio State, he honed his accuracy, threading needles to receivers like Egbuka and Smith.
Mobility adds another layer. Howard escapes collapsing pockets, picking up first downs with his legs. His 31.5-inch vertical and 9’4” broad jump at the NFL Combine showcased his athleticism. Leadership shines through, too—teammates rally around his calm demeanor and clutch play. In the playoffs, he commanded the offense like a seasoned pro.
Decision-making improved dramatically in 2024. Howard reads defenses faster, adjusts plays at the line, and avoids forcing throws. Coaches trusted him with complex calls, a testament to his football IQ. His ability to elevate a stacked roster proves he’s more than a system quarterback.
Areas for Improvement: Room to Grow
No player lacks flaws, and Howard faces critiques as he eyes the NFL. His footwork needs polish—scouts note inconsistent mechanics on dropbacks. He occasionally clicks his heels climbing the pocket, disrupting timing. Speeding up his progression through reads remains a work in progress, too.
Age raises eyebrows. At 24 as a rookie, some teams see a lower ceiling compared to younger prospects. His gunslinger mentality, while exciting, led to dropped interceptions in 2024. Howard must balance aggression with caution. Still, his growth trajectory suggests these hurdles won’t derail him.
NFL Draft Buzz: Where Will Howard Land?
As of March 21, 2025, Howard ranks among the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Analysts project him as a mid-round pick, likely Rounds 3 to 5. Pro Football Network mocks him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round, valuing his backup potential. Others see the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, or Pittsburgh Steelers as fits.
FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt defends Howard as a top-five quarterback, citing his playoff heroics. Klatt argues Howard’s 43 career starts and championship pedigree outweigh age concerns. His combine showing—strong measurables but shaky throws—may temper early-round hype. Teams seeking a developmental starter or reliable backup will pounce.
Howard’s ideal landing spot pairs him with a veteran mentor and patient staff. His arm talent and rushing ability intrigue scouts, but refining mechanics and decision-making will determine his ceiling. For now, his stock rides high off a title-winning season.
FAQs
What were Will Howard’s standout stats in the 2024 season at Ohio State?
Will Howard threw for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2024, completing 73% of his passes. He added 347 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a national championship. His playoff performance—919 yards and six touchdowns—highlighted his clutch ability.
How did Howard improve from Kansas State to Ohio State?
At Kansas State, Howard peaked with 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2023, but his completion rate stayed below 60%. At Ohio State, he jumped to 73%, cut turnovers, and doubled his yardage. His decision-making and accuracy soared in a pro-style system.
Why do some NFL scouts question Howard’s draft stock?
Scouts point to his age—24 as a rookie—and inconsistent footwork as concerns. His combine struggles with late throws hurt his stock, too. Still, his experience and playoff success keep him in mid-round talks.
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