Bottom of the 9th inning. Bases loaded. 2 outs. Need somebody to walk in and push the team over the hump of a decade-long championship drought. In walks an unassuming player who swings for the fences, connects for a home run, and leaves as a bit of a messiah. Will Howard was walking into a tryst with fate when he left Kansas State to transfer over to bluebloods Ohio State. A roster ready for the Natty if the quarterback obliged. Boy, did Howard oblige. His receiving corps. took the plaudits—and rightly so. But Will Howard unlocked a new dimension for himself and, by extension, Ryan Day’s entire offense during the Buckeyes’ playoff run. His very last throw in scarlet and gray was a microcosm of how well he’d facilitated this run. It’s been spring sunshine and rainbows in Columbus since. However, that’s not the case for Howard.

Throughout the CFP, Will Howard showed resilience and poise on 3rd and 4th down scenarios. Dealing with the pressure and the bright lights was a feature of his success. However, the NFL lights are probably too bright—even blinding. During his audition at the Combine down in Indy, Howard wasn’t himself during the passing drills. He certainly wasn’t airing it with the same vim and accuracy as he did in the winter. This even spawned discourse about whether that playoff run was a mere flash in the pan. That normality had resumed, and Will Howard was merely riding the coattails of his supporting cast. His draft stock plummeted just as quickly as it had risen initially. So, was Will Howard smoke and mirrors after all? He’s got a shot at proving otherwise. 

Howard is slated to throw at Ohio State’s Pro Day on Wednesday, March 26th. A chance at redemption, to right the wrongs of the Combine. He’d be pleased to know there are a couple of familiar faces aiding him on this redemption tour. During the Buckeyes’ spring presser, Ryan Day has explicitly stated he expects receivers Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss to partake in Will Howard’s drills. Throwing to wideouts, he has preexisting chemistry within the surroundings of Columbus, which bodes well for Howard. It may not be Jeremiah Smith—who’s ascended to a level where he can’t be risked—or Emeka Egbuka—who’s headed to the NFL himself. But Tate and Inniss are more than potent weapons for Will Howard to showcase his artillery.

Carnell Tate was WR3 on the Buckeyes last year. But that’s far from a fair representation of his ability. Being behind Smith and Egbuka in the pecking order isn’t an indictment. Tate was a prominent contributor to this 3-headed monster Ryan Day and former OC Chip Kelly unleashed onto the FBS. He’ll continue occupying the perimeter in 2025, now taking on a greater leadership role and onus in the passing game post Egbuka. As for Brandon Inniss, he’s only just entering his sophomore year. Inniss didn’t see much game time alongside Howard, but they’re bound to have built a connection in practice. 

The relationship between a QB and a WR is reciprocal. One needs the other to thrive. It’s an intrinsic bond that’s built over time when allowed time to marinate. It’s not like Will Howard wasn’t throwing to good receivers at the Combine. They’re quite literally headed to the NFL as well. But being on the same timing with a new wideout off the cuff can be difficult. It’s one of the reasons why a lot of quarterbacks don’t throw at the Combine. Howard didn’t amaze, but at least he didn’t shy away. He’ll hope the familiarity factor on Pro Day alleviates any pressure and allows him to express his game. As for Ryan Day, he’s got more Buckeyes football to look forward to. A championship to defend. During the aforementioned presser, Coach Day leveraged his thoughts on how new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was getting along.

Ryan Day addresses Matt Patricia’s adaptation at OSU so far

Ohio State’s success exacted a cost on Ryan Day’s staff. Chip Kelly’s stock rose, leading to him getting an offer to coordinate the Raiders’ offense in the NFL. He accepted, leaving behind a void now filled via the in-house promotion of Brian Hartline. But Kelly’s departure, albeit more fathomable, wasn’t the only coordinator exit from Columbus. In a revelation that was equal parts baffling and twisted, Jim Knowles pulled his best Judas impression. He’s left for B1G contemporaries Penn State. That equally onerous void is now filled by Matt Patricia. Coach Day was asked how Patricia was settling into life in the program and his relationship with the personnel at his disposal.

“I think the feedback from the players has been good,” said Ryan Day. “I think it’s been great…We’ve gotten great feedback from the recruits as well who have gotten a chance to meet with him.” The Buckeyes faithful will want him to get comfy with Caleb Downs and Co. nice and early. Given Patricia’s very first assignment is Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning in Week 1. Ohio State opens its ’25 season at the Shoe against Texas.

Will Howard won’t be a part of the championship defense. In fact, there’s still a cloud looming over who’ll succeed him at QB next year—but that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms. For now, Howard will have tunnel vision on Pro Day. A line in the sand that could erase his misdemeanors in Indianapolis or accentuate them. There’s a lot riding on it. But Howard has dealt with and risen above duress in the past. He’ll hope his return to Columbus is as fruitful as his reign there.