Breaking News: 5-star quarterback Will Howard, one of the most coveted players in the 2025 recruiting class, has flipped his commitment from the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Tennessee Volunteers in a shocking and program-altering development. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound signal-caller had been a key part of Ohio State’s future plans, but in a decision that has sent ripples across the college football landscape, he has instead opted to don orange and white, pledging his talents to Josh Heupel and the Vols. The move not only strengthens Tennessee’s long-term quarterback room but also signals that the Volunteers are becoming a serious destination for elite-level talent in the NIL and College Football Playoff era.
Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State came as a surprise to many, especially considering his verbal pledge to the Buckeyes had been viewed as rock solid. The Buckeyes had courted him early and often, and Howard’s relationship with the coaching staff in Columbus was thought to be a major reason for his initial commitment. However, sources close to the situation suggest that Tennessee’s persistence, along with a rapidly growing belief in the offensive system under Heupel and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle, played a pivotal role in changing the tide. Tennessee’s recent success developing quarterbacks and producing dynamic offensive performances appears to have resonated deeply with Howard and his inner circle. Furthermore, the presence of a passionate fan base, the opportunity to compete early, and a favorable NIL landscape all contributed to the flip.
Howard’s final decision reportedly came down to Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida State. All three programs made compelling pitches in the weeks leading up to his announcement, and insiders say that the race was extremely close. Florida State, with its tradition and recent return to national prominence, was a tempting destination, while Kentucky had aggressively pursued Howard as a potential program-changing piece. But in the end, the alignment of opportunity, system fit, and vision for the future pushed Tennessee to the top. The Volunteers now land a quarterback who is widely regarded as a game-changer—a polished passer with elite arm talent, excellent size, and the leadership qualities coaches dream of.
Howard has long been recognized as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. Rated as a 5-star and the No. 2 overall quarterback by most major recruiting services, he brings a pro-style frame with dual-threat ability. He possesses a cannon for an arm, routinely launching 60-yard bombs with ease, and pairs that with a high football IQ and a knack for reading defenses pre-snap. His size makes him a nightmare for defenders to bring down, and his mobility adds another layer to his already dynamic skill set. Howard has also excelled on the camp circuit, consistently outperforming his peers and showcasing the poise, touch, and leadership that will be essential at the next level. He has drawn comparisons to NFL quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Justin Herbert due to his size, arm strength, and athleticism.
Tennessee’s quarterback room was already on the rise, but Howard’s commitment catapults it to an entirely new level. With the departure of Joe Milton and the emergence of young talent like Nico Iamaleava, the Volunteers are quietly building a succession plan that rivals any in the nation. Howard’s arrival ensures that there will be no shortage of competition and talent under center for the foreseeable future. It also serves as validation for Heupel’s reputation as a quarterback guru—someone who can mold top-tier talent into elite college players and legitimate NFL prospects. Landing a player of Howard’s caliber is not just about winning recruiting battles—it’s about changing the narrative. Tennessee is no longer just a team hoping to contend in the SEC; it’s a program that top-tier talent believes in, even over perennial powers like Ohio State.
This commitment is also a major statement in the broader college football arms race. Tennessee’s ability to secure a flip of this magnitude speaks to its standing in the current NIL landscape and its effectiveness on the recruiting trail. While Ohio State has long been a titan of recruiting, this loss will sting, and it may force some self-reflection in Columbus about how to close on top quarterbacks in a rapidly evolving era. On the other hand, the win is massive for Tennessee’s credibility on the trail. Recruits are watching, and they’re seeing a program that is not only winning but also beating out blue bloods for elite talent. It’s a new era in Knoxville—one that’s being defined by high expectations and an aggressive pursuit of championships.
For Howard, the path forward looks bright. At Tennessee, he’ll enter a quarterback-friendly system tailored to maximize his strengths. He’ll have the chance to work with one of the nation’s best offensive minds in Heupel, as well as a supporting cast that includes young playmakers and a fan base that lives and breathes football. Neyland Stadium, with over 100,000 fans in orange screaming their lungs out on Saturdays, will be a far cry from the quiet recruiting offices where decisions like these are made—but it will be the proving ground where Howard will get to chase greatness. The fit is seamless, and the expectations will be sky-high from day one.
The ripple effects of Howard’s decision will be felt immediately. Ohio State, while always stacked at quarterback, will now have to reassess its depth chart and recruiting strategy. Tennessee, meanwhile, can expect an uptick in momentum across the board. Other top offensive recruits are likely to take notice. Having a five-star quarterback already in the fold is the kind of foundation that top receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen look for when making their own decisions. It’s not out of the question to think that Howard’s flip could kickstart a domino effect of commitments, leading to one of Tennessee’s best classes in the modern recruiting era.
For the Tennessee faithful, this moment is one to savor. It’s been a long road back to national relevance for the Volunteers, a program that once dominated college football but struggled through years of coaching turnover and inconsistency. But under Heupel, there’s real belief that the Vols are not only back—they’re here to stay. And Howard’s commitment is the clearest sign yet that the future in Knoxville is bright, stable, and built to win big. There’s no overstating the importance of this kind of recruiting victory. It’s the kind of move that shifts narratives, elevates expectations, and lays the groundwork for sustained success.
The timing of Howard’s flip also adds drama to the coming season. While he won’t take the field until 2026, his presence will loom large over every quarterback snap Tennessee takes in 2025. The competition in the room will intensify. Every rep will matter. And the pressure to live up to the hype will be immense. But that’s the kind of environment elite athletes crave. Howard didn’t pick Tennessee to sit quietly on the sideline. He picked Tennessee to compete, to develop, and to lead. In a league as cutthroat as the SEC, that kind of competitive fire is not just welcomed—it’s necessary.
As for the fans, they now get to dream big. With Howard at the helm in the near future, the dream of an SEC title, a College Football Playoff berth, or even a national championship feels more realistic than ever before. There’s no telling how far this program can go with a player of his caliber under center. One thing is certain: Tennessee isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore. With Howard in the fold, the Volunteers have officially arrived on the national stage. Welcome to Rocky Top, Will Howard. The spotlight is on you now.
