For many in sports, the saying “it’s not where you start, but where you finish” holds true. For sixth-round draft pick Will Howard, a quarterback from Ohio State, he has his own perspective: “It’s not about when, it’s about where,” said Howard.
Howard emphasized that the round he was selected in during the 2025 NFL Draft did not matter to him. What mattered was finding a team where he felt comfortable with the coaching staff and could fit into the offensive scheme. “Throughout the whole draft process, everyone was telling me you’ve got to end up in the right situation,” said Howard. He expressed confidence in his decision after conversations with Pittsburgh’s Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan.
Pittsburgh appears to be a fitting destination for Howard, just as Ohio State was an ideal place for him to conclude his college career. After starting at Kansas State, Howard played one season for the Buckeyes. He appeared in 50 games throughout his college career, completing 767 of 1,202 passes for 9,796 yards and achieving 83 touchdowns with only ten interceptions.
During his time at Ohio State, Howard led the Buckeyes to a school record of 14 wins and secured a College Football Playoff National Championship. His performance included setting records for completion percentage and eight games with at least an 80% completion rate.
Reflecting on his journey, Howard said: “Going to Ohio State got me much more prepared for this next level.” He highlighted that transferring there allowed him to achieve goals such as winning a national championship and developing as a player under Coach Ryan Day’s guidance.
Howard also takes pride in his toughness and grit—qualities that stood out last season with the Buckeyes. “That is one of the things I like to hang my hat on,” he noted regarding his intense passion and competitive nature on the field.
His love for football extends beyond personal achievements; it encompasses camaraderie with teammates. “There is nothing like going out there with your brothers for the competition,” stated Howard. The memories created through shared experiences are cherished by him as integral parts of playing football.
