“Sometimes people that are standing on third base think they hit a triple but they didn’t,” Jim Harbaugh, former Michigan HC said after ending a 9-year losing streak against arch-rival OSU. Well, Harbaugh even left the Wolverines to pursue his NFL dreams, but Ryan Day is yet to overcome Michigan in the last four years. Although the Buckeyes did go for Natty this year—ending a 10-year drought—once again, a maize and blue cloud appeared over the shoe in late November and almost rained on Day’s parade. In the grand scheme of things, that loss to Michigan was perhaps what instigated a fire under the belly of the Buckeyes and propelled them to a championship. However, the Buckeyes didn’t just reclaim a title—they took something even more valuable from their biggest rivals. Turns out the Buckeyes snatched more than just hardware from their biggest rivals. They snatched the status quo in the eyes of the NFL.

After the Wolverines won the National Championship under Harbaugh, the prospective NFL players were rewarded for their triumph. Michigan saw the highest number of invitees to the Draft Combine. 18 players made the trip to partake in the prognosis, hoping to boost their chances of being drafted. This was a statement for Michigan, a line in the sand. Alabama had been dominating the NFL conveyor belt for years under Nick Saban. This signaled a potential power shift between the bluebloods. As well as a huge thumbs up to the recruiting and development ongoing in Ann Arbor. Now, this honor has been moved over to a 3rd blueblood. 

Ohio State has one-upped Michigan with 15 invitees. They’ve knocked their arch-nemesis off their perch as the top school represented across the country. Ryan Day’s achievements and efforts are reaping massive rewards beyond CFB. Speaking of bluebloods, the rest of the top 7 is naturally full of them. However, if you ever needed reassurance that the power dynamic is shifting, Bama and Michigan didn’t make the cut. How the mighty have fallen, eh? The Buckeyes faithful won’t feel any inkling of sorrow, though. Neither will the schools coming in at joint 2nd.

It’s hardly surprising that the dynastic Georgia Bulldogs made it. They’re still supplementing the NFL with players of the highest ilk. Just look at the Eagles D-line, key to their Super Bowl triumph. It was composed of 3 players who learned the ropes under Kirby Smart. Scouts know Athens is a hotbed of talent and have 14 Dawgs due in Indy. Also represented by 14 players are the Texas Longhorns. Despite eventually bowing out at the Orange Bowl to Ryan Day, Steve Sarkisian has developed a host of talent that can ascend to the next rung of the football ladder. Again, the league extended a seal of approval to his operation down in Austin. The remainder of the list threw up a pleasant surprise.

Oregon came in at 4th with 12 representatives going back to Indianapolis where they won the B1G championship. They were followed by South Carolina, rather interestingly. Not only are the traditional powerhouses overtaking Bama and Michigan, but SCal are too. They will have 11 players, same as SEC contemporaries Ole Miss. Miami closes out the list with 10. A group that’ll be headlined by no.1 overall pick contender Cam Ward. Speaking of Ward, Ryan Day’s own QB, Will Howard, will be one of the big stories. Owing to his fluctuating NFL stock and rising intrigue.

Will Howard will perhaps be under greater scrutiny than any of Ryan Day’s reps

Will Howard’s tryst with fate is complete. Picture swinging for the fences on two strikes at the bottom of the 9th and hitting a home run. Howard had one last shot when he left Kansas State and entered the transfer portal. As often as this cliche gets thrown around, this season was truly make or break for Will Howard’s career. Boy did he make the most of it. Of all the wrinkles and byproducts of the dominant Buckeyes’ CFP run, Howard was perhaps the biggest beneficiary. 

Top Comment by Michiganman

Michigan sent 18 guys to the combine last year.

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He found a new gear, airing that pigskin at an unprecedented clip. Will Howard showed poise in the biggest spots, including some crucial 3rd and 4th downs. The very last throw in the Natty was a microcosm of his performances throughout. As well as the trust Ryan Day had in him. Jeremiah Smith and the rest of the receiving corp. may have taken most of the plaudits. But don’t sleep on Will Howard’s facilitation. As much as people deny it, recency bias is a thing. Owing to a brilliant CFP run, Howard’s draft stock saw a substantial rise. However, the sample size of this upturn remains relatively small.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Howard. Although some of the analysis around him has been lazy, Howard isn’t the perfect QB. There are holes in his arsenal. 3 aspects in particular have been brought up by multiple analysts. The unorthodox throwing mechanics, accuracy, and pocket presence/post-snap adjustment. As well as an overall lack of mobility and athleticism. Well, the Combine will be the perfect litmus test for that. Coach Day and his entire staff will hope Howard and his 14 other teammates can leave a mark. All while reveling in the blow they’ve inflicted on Michigan as a collective.