Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has some dust to settle against the Texas Longhorns, which is more than just the semifinal aspirations. The Ohio State QB1 transferred from Kansas State this season with hopes of improving his draft stock and winning a Natty for the Buckeyes. If you had seen the Michigan game, a tough loss for Ohio State, you’d be left wondering if Howard is really good. Well, he is really good. The games against the Vols and Ducks proved it.

Of course, he is blessed with a WR core that every college football program would love to have. The freshman Jeremiah Smith went for 187 yards and 2 TDs against the Ducks. Then, we have the veteran Emeka Egbuka. However, Howard is crucial to their success, throwing dimes after dimes. Against the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl? Well, Texas has already triggered old wounds, so the only option left for you as a Texas fan is to pray.

Will Howard feels an extra spur in the stomach to make it right against the Longhorns 

Before jumping ship to Ohio State Buckeyes after a fulfilling 2023, Will Howard suited update and made game-winning big plays for the Kansas State Wildcats for over four whole seasons. Howard bloomed there in his highest affluence as well. A lofty 15-12 record from the starting gig and contributing to the team’s awe-inspiring journey to the New Year’s Six Bowl Game of the College Football Playoff era. But guess what, the kid still feels some pinch of regret whenever he looks back at his personal glory as a Wildcat. Blame it on a stubborn Texas squad that never let him score a win over as the only Big 12 team. Howard didn’t forget the wounds, and he’s still hungry.

”That was the only team I didn’t beat when I was in the Big 12,” Howard said to ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “They’re always a good team. But none of those games were unwinnable. Definitely excited to get another chance at these guys.” Texas’ pissed him off’ with a mammoth 69-31 victory over Kansas State in 2020. Even though the Wildcats, with Howard under center, gave the Longhorns a nail-biter in the next two games. In 2021, they failed to retain a first-half lead and succumbed to a 22-17 at the end. In 2023, the loss was even more intense, with the Wildcats chasing Texas until an overtime fallout with 33-30.

The win remains a far-fetched dream, whatsoever. Howard might not have done in the Wildcats’ Jersey, but he can still nail it as a Buckeye and leave no crumbs. His heart is beating for the Kansas fans who silently cheer on him to go and ace the battle as a storybook revenge. ‘I know there’s a lot of people back in Kansas that are rooting for the Buckeyes to get this one done against these guys,” said the OSU QB.

However, no matter what happens in Dallas, Texas, this Friday, the QB phenom wanted to live his recent success against the Duck the most. But, unfortunately, he had to limit his free spirit.

Will Howard’s giant weight didn’t let him have his moment against the Ducks 

Howard eclipsed 300 yards for both the playoff victories. He amassed 319 yards and three touchdowns in a stupendous game against the Ducks, arguably mounting one of his best performances for the Buckeyes. The spectacular 42-21 win propelled him to have money for unwinding, but unfortunately, his body weight got in the way.

The Pennsylvania native was undoubtedly the man of the hour on New Year’s Day. But it is shameful that he is still denied access to the stage for a post-game victory. Security personnel stopped him from stepping onto the stage. The internet was fuming in rage at the barbarity.

But the QB let them know, ‘‘It was strictly a weight limit thing. I don’t know if it was a poorly executed fat joke or what this guy was trying to do — no, I’m kidding,” Howard said via Chase Brown of Eleven Warriors. “I guess he said there was a weight limit, and there were too many people on it. …That’s all it was.

Howard certainly felt bad as the only Buckeyes player without permission to sneak onto the stage; he understands the ball game and is quite okay with it. ‘‘I guess they’re doing their job, so I got nothing.” the OSU QB keeps it easy and clean.

It remains to be seen how his extra mojo against Texas pans out on the big day.