Ohio State sets itself apart, launching a whole new definition of a comeback. January 20th will always be an unforgettable day in franchise history as it earned them a hard-fought trophy after a decade. Ryan Day’s mastermind shined through his players and clicked at the perfect time. But it wouldn’t have been possible with the key architect, Will Howard. Coach Ryan Day’s decision to bring back the aggressive QB1 from the transfer portal last year was unpopular with many.

However, as the prodigy has already done what he could do in a terrific OSU season, it begs the obvious question: what’s next? Well, the answer is a bare secret to all. It’s in the NFL. But that is still a half answer. Pat McAfee and NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah spill the rest.

Will Howard’s latest NFL discussion makes a splash 

After spending four long seasons at Kansas State, Howard took a leap of faith with the Buckeyes, which paid him off in the most beautiful way possible, as he’s coming off of his sizzling hot season, heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Even a few weeks back, he was widely regarded as a day 3 pick by many, but a championship trophy skyrocketed his draft stocks. It seems, in a way, that the journey from an underdog to a top dog was somehow written in the stars. But he is still not the first-round guy.

Pat McAfee vehemently scouts through the reason, asking, ”Why are you draft pundits leaving Will Howard out of the conversation of being a first-round guy? Is it because he has talent around him?” It’s true that Will Howard benefits from playing in that stacked Ohio State system with guys like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. But his clutch playoff performances, where he made huge throws under pressure—those can’t be ignored. Sure, his supporting cast helps, but he’s the guy making it happen.

Jeremiah chimed in, “He went on an epic run, and I’m excited to get a chance to go through all his tape cause he played great.” Daniel Jeremiah, who’s seen tape from three of Howard’s games (Oregon, Penn State, and Nebraska), added, “He’s 6’4, 240 pounds; he can move around, he can make all the different throws, and he got on an epic heater at the most important time.”

The NFL expert took a look at his game tape and pinpointed how flawlessly he runs into the end zone, moves the pigskin, makes some nice throws, and walks extra ways into the time of dire need. Jeremiah didn’t watch his playoff performances but still came to a conclusion based on whatever he had seen. McAfee pushed back, asking if Howard was really a fourth-rounder. And the draft pundit replied, ”He’s right on the borderline of a top-50 pick for me at this time… much higher than that (fourth round). He’s a day two guy for me as we sit right now.” 

Ryan Day, on the other hand, has high hopes for his favored quarterback.

Ryan Day has a high NFL standard set for his 2024 QB1

Well, the former Kansas State QB silenced all his doubters, throwing for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while touching a new Ohio State record by completing 73 percent of his passes. But the leading stance is Howard led the Buckeyes to their first national title, safeguarding Ryan Day’s life and honor in the process.

Coming off a fiery matchup and a fiery season, Ryan Day’s face shimmered when talking about Will Howard’s future in the NFL. He is pretty confident of what Howard can bring to the table in any big league. Day noted if Howard’s feet are right in the place, he will become unstoppable. He also spills that Howard takes a lot on his shoulders for the team and can never be given enough credit for that.

The way he calls the plays checks the play at the line of scrimmage, and the way he commands is rare. ”That’s NFL material right there. That’s special. Whichever organization decides to draft Will is going to get, like, a pro on day one walking through the door,” Day concluded his QB eulogy post a convincing win.

Now, it remains to be seen where Will Howard will finally jump ship and how it all pans out going forward.