In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves across the college football recruiting landscape, five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially flipped his commitment from Ohio State to the University of Tennessee, choosing the Volunteers over the Buckeyes, Kentucky, and Florida State. The announcement marks one of the most consequential recruiting developments of the offseason and adds to the growing perception that Tennessee is on the brink of returning to national prominence under head coach Josh Heupel. For months, it appeared all but certain that Howard would wear scarlet and gray in Columbus. He gave a verbal commitment to Ryan Day’s Buckeyes early in the cycle, and all signs pointed to Ohio State solidifying its future at quarterback with Howard’s elite talent. But as with most high-stakes recruitments in today’s NIL-influenced and transfer-friendly college football climate, nothing is ever truly set in stone until the paperwork is signed. Tennessee remained persistent throughout the process, quietly chipping away at Howard’s initial pledge while simultaneously presenting a vision of offensive freedom, national exposure, and long-term development that ultimately proved too compelling to ignore. Sources close to Howard suggest that while he held great respect for the Buckeyes, he began to feel that Tennessee offered a more personalized path to success, both on and off the field. One recruiting insider described the flip as “the culmination of a year-long chess match,” with Tennessee slowly positioning itself to pounce if Ohio State faltered in any way — and the Buckeyes’ quarterback room, already stacked with competition, might have given Howard just enough pause.
Tennessee’s recruitment of Howard had always been about more than just football. According to multiple people close to the program, Heupel and his staff built a strong relationship with Howard’s family and inner circle from the start. They focused not only on his rocket arm, his 6-foot-4 frame, and his top-tier mobility, but also on his football IQ, leadership skills, and reputation as a hard worker and unselfish teammate. For Howard, the appeal of Tennessee’s fast-paced, quarterback-friendly system was significant. Under Heupel, Tennessee has become a breeding ground for high-profile offensive talent. The recent success stories of Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, both of whom parlayed their Tennessee careers into NFL opportunities, didn’t go unnoticed. The Vols also have one of the most electric wide receiver corps in the country, with five-star playmakers already on the roster and more on the way. In terms of fit, few programs offered Howard a clearer runway to early playing time and national visibility. While Ohio State continues to produce first-round quarterbacks, the sheer depth of competition in Columbus — combined with an ever-shifting coaching carousel and transfer movement — made Tennessee’s stability and momentum even more attractive.
Kentucky and Florida State, the two other finalists, put up a strong fight. Kentucky pitched a unique blend of SEC competition and immediate playing time, hoping to capitalize on its emerging offensive identity and sell Howard on being the centerpiece of a rebuilding effort. Florida State, meanwhile, emphasized its return to ACC dominance and its revamped quarterback-friendly system under Mike Norvell. But in the end, neither school could match the blend of opportunity, system fit, NIL potential, and player development that Tennessee brought to the table. What separates Howard from many of his peers is the versatility of his game. He’s not just a deep-ball thrower, and he’s not just a dual-threat runner. He’s a complete quarterback who can read defenses, improvise when plays break down, and make tight-window throws on the move. His junior year tape lit up social media and recruiting boards alike, with scouts praising his composure under pressure, his pocket presence, and his uncanny ability to extend plays without sacrificing accuracy. His 2024 stats — over 3,800 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and just four interceptions — are only part of the story. What truly made him a top-five national recruit was the leadership he displayed in guiding his high school team to a state championship and his quiet confidence in the huddle.
For Tennessee, landing Howard is about more than just upgrading the quarterback position. It signals a broader shift in the program’s national recruiting strategy and stature. Just a few years ago, the Vols were struggling to land top-tier offensive talent consistently. Now, they’ve not only won a high-profile flip over an elite Big Ten powerhouse, but they’ve also proven they can close the deal against regional SEC rivals and national programs alike. The ripple effects will be felt across the recruiting landscape. Tennessee is already in the mix for several other five-star prospects, many of whom were reportedly waiting to see where Howard would land. His commitment may very well trigger a domino effect that helps Tennessee climb even higher in the 2025 recruiting rankings. The Vols have already secured elite talent on both sides of the ball this cycle, and Howard’s presence could be the magnet that draws more playmakers to Knoxville. Quarterbacks of his caliber tend to attract elite wide receivers, offensive linemen, and even defenders who want to play for a winning program with staying power.
On the field, the implications are just as significant. While Tennessee currently has depth at quarterback, including promising young signal callers already on campus, Howard represents the kind of generational talent that reshapes depth charts and forces early decisions. He’s expected to enroll early, participate in spring ball, and immediately compete for playing time. Even if he redshirts his freshman year — which remains a possibility depending on how the current quarterback room performs — few expect him to stay on the sidelines for long. The coaching staff views him as a multi-year starter who can lead Tennessee into the expanded College Football Playoff era with poise, production, and championship potential.
The flip also raises questions about the state of Ohio State’s quarterback situation. While the Buckeyes are never short on talent, missing out on Howard represents a significant setback for their 2025 plans. Ryan Day and his staff will likely pivot to another top target, but losing a five-star quarterback to an SEC rival — particularly one who had been committed for months — is a blow, both perceptually and competitively. It may also increase pressure on their current roster of quarterbacks to perform in the coming season. As for Howard, he now steps into the spotlight as not only the face of Tennessee’s 2025 class but also a central figure in the program’s broader resurgence. The expectations will be massive, as will the attention. But those close to him believe he’s built for the moment. He’s described by coaches and teammates alike as fiercely competitive, deeply focused, and immune to the distractions that often come with five-star status. In an era where branding and NIL influence every major recruiting decision, Howard has remained grounded. Yes, NIL played a role — as it does in nearly every major recruitment now — but insiders insist it wasn’t the determining factor. Tennessee’s pitch went far beyond money. It was about legacy, culture, and alignment. The Vols didn’t just sell Howard on a future in the NFL. They sold him on becoming a Tennessee legend.
The reaction from Tennessee fans has been predictably euphoric. Within minutes of the announcement, social media lit up with excitement. “Howard to the Hill” began trending on X (formerly Twitter), and fan forums exploded with speculation about how soon he might start. Former players and local media members praised the move, calling it one of the biggest quarterback recruiting wins in recent Tennessee history. Recruiting experts echoed the sentiment, noting that Howard’s flip represents a seismic win in the ultra-competitive SEC arms race. Howard’s commitment has already helped Tennessee leap into the top five in the 2025 class rankings according to multiple outlets, with the potential to climb higher depending on how other targets fall. It’s a validation of Josh Heupel’s approach and further evidence that Tennessee is a destination for elite talent again.
Off the field, Howard’s decision speaks to the growing influence of quarterback branding and fit. In a time where the quarterback position has become more scrutinized and more glorified than ever before, recruits like Howard aren’t just looking for tradition or titles — they’re looking for ecosystems that support their development, maximize their visibility, and align with their long-term goals. Tennessee offered all of that, and more. The city of Knoxville has also become increasingly attractive to recruits thanks to a vibrant college town atmosphere, massive fan support, and growing NIL infrastructure. The “Vol Club” and other collectives have played a major role in elevating Tennessee’s standing in the NIL landscape, and while exact numbers surrounding Howard’s deal remain private, sources indicate he’ll be well taken care of — but not in a way that overshadows football.
Howard’s flip is also a win for SEC prestige over the Big Ten in a moment when the two leagues are fiercely jockeying for supremacy. With the College Football Playoff expanding and television contracts soaring into the billions, battles like this one are about more than just recruiting rankings — they’re about market share, TV ratings, and national dominance. Tennessee beating Ohio State head-to-head for a quarterback of this caliber is symbolic of the SEC’s continued edge in the talent acquisition game. While the Buckeyes will reload, this one will sting for a while.
Looking ahead, Tennessee’s quarterback room is now one of the most intriguing in the nation. With Howard on board, Heupel will have the luxury — and challenge — of managing multiple high-profile arms. The competition should elevate the entire program, sharpening practices and raising the standard across the board. And for Howard, the future now runs through Rocky Top. He’s the face of Tennessee’s next chapter, a symbol of how far the program has come and how high it still aims to climb. The message to the college football world is clear: Tennessee isn’t just back — it’s building something that may be here to stay.
In the end, Will Howard’s decision wasn’t just a recruiting flip. It was a statement. A bold, calculated, and program-altering statement that Tennessee is ready to compete with — and beat — the sport’s elite. It won’t guarantee wins, and it won’t erase the challenges ahead, but it changes the conversation. And in college football, sometimes that’s the most powerful victory of all.
