Tennessee football has pulled off a seismic recruiting victory that is already sending shockwaves through the college football landscape. Will Howard, the dynamic five-star quarterback who had previously committed to Ohio State, has announced a dramatic change of course, flipping his commitment to the University of Tennessee. The move comes after weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, and the Vols ultimately beat out Kentucky and Florida State to secure one of the most coveted players in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Howard, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound signal-caller from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, is ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the country by 247Sports and Rivals, and a consensus top-10 national recruit. Known for his strong arm, quick release, and dual-threat capabilities, Howard had originally pledged his allegiance to Ohio State last summer, calling the Buckeyes his “dream school.” But as the 2024 season unfolded and the coaching carousel began to spin, the tide began to turn. Ohio State’s quarterback depth chart became increasingly crowded, and whispers emerged that Howard was reassessing his future.
Sources close to the Howard family indicate that the change wasn’t rash. Rather, it was a thoughtful, deliberate decision fueled by a combination of factors: a renewed vision in Knoxville under head coach Josh Heupel, uncertainty about early playing time in Columbus, and the relentless push by Tennessee’s coaching staff to make Howard the face of their offense for years to come. For Tennessee, this is more than a win on the recruiting trail—it’s a statement to the SEC and the rest of the college football world that the Vols are serious about returning to national prominence and are willing to go toe-to-toe with blue bloods like Ohio State to do it.
Howard’s decision-making process began to shift in late February, when he made an unannounced visit to Tennessee. Though the visit was officially labeled as “unofficial,” it marked the moment when Heupel and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle reentered the picture in a significant way. The Vols laid out a vision for Howard: a wide-open, quarterback-friendly system that has already produced record-setting results under Heupel’s direction. Former Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, who thrived under Heupel before becoming a second-round NFL Draft pick, served as a blueprint for what Howard could accomplish in Knoxville. The pitch resonated.
The flip isn’t just a recruiting win; it has major ramifications for Tennessee’s quarterback room. With Nico Iamaleava entering his junior season in 2025, Howard’s arrival provides both elite depth and the potential for a seamless transition at the most important position in sports. Tennessee has struggled in recent decades to consistently develop and retain top-tier quarterback talent, but the addition of Howard may mark a turning point. More importantly, it keeps the Vols’ offense well-stocked for the foreseeable future and reinforces Heupel’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer.
What makes Howard such a compelling prospect isn’t just his physical tools—though those are considerable. At 6-foot-5, he possesses prototypical size for a modern quarterback. His arm strength allows him to push the ball downfield with ease, and he’s equally comfortable operating from the pocket or making plays on the move. Scouts rave about his ability to read defenses pre-snap and adjust on the fly. During his junior season, Howard threw for 3,612 yards and 38 touchdowns while rushing for another 812 yards and 11 scores. His poise, leadership, and work ethic have drawn comparisons to NFL-caliber quarterbacks, and it’s no surprise that he was the top priority for multiple Power Five programs.
Kentucky and Florida State both made strong late pushes, with the Seminoles especially aggressive in trying to secure a visit during Howard’s decision window. Florida State, reeling from the unexpected decommitment of another top quarterback, offered immediate playing time and a proven track record under head coach Mike Norvell. Meanwhile, Kentucky attempted to use its rising offensive coordinator, Bush Hamdan, to form a bond with Howard, emphasizing a pro-style system that could showcase his skills for NFL scouts. But in the end, neither program could match Tennessee’s combination of offensive fit, coaching stability, and NIL opportunity.
Indeed, the role of NIL in Howard’s recruitment cannot be overstated. Tennessee has emerged as one of the premier destinations for elite athletes looking to maximize their name, image, and likeness value. Sources indicate that while Howard’s decision was “not about the money,” the Vols presented a compelling and organized NIL infrastructure that allowed him to visualize long-term brand growth while still competing for championships. With collectives like the Volunteer Club and partnerships through Spyre Sports Group, Tennessee has become a leader in this new era of college athletics, and Howard’s commitment reinforces that reputation.
For Ohio State, Howard’s departure is a gut punch. The Buckeyes have recruited as well as any program in the country over the past decade, but quarterback recruiting is always a high-wire act. The 2024 class already brought in a highly regarded passer, and the quarterback room in Columbus is stocked with young talent. Still, losing a five-star player—especially one who had publicly reaffirmed his commitment multiple times—will force Ryan Day and his staff to reevaluate their depth chart and potentially re-enter the portal or pursue another elite high school prospect. While Ohio State is unlikely to fall far, the loss of Howard is a reminder of how competitive and volatile modern recruiting has become.
In Knoxville, the reaction has been electric. Fans flooded social media moments after Howard made his announcement via a video posted to his Instagram and X accounts, wearing a Tennessee hat and declaring, “I’m coming home to Rocky Top.” Local reporters quickly confirmed the news, and within an hour, it had become the top story in college football circles. Alumni, former players, and fans alike celebrated the flip, viewing it as further proof that the Vols are building something special under Heupel. One former player tweeted, “This is the kind of move that wins championships.”
The impact of Howard’s flip also reverberates through the SEC. Tennessee’s quarterback pipeline has just added a future star, and rival programs will have to prepare for the reality that the Vols are not just collecting talent—they’re developing it. Georgia, Alabama, and LSU have long dominated quarterback recruiting in the South, but Tennessee’s ability to lure a five-star from Big Ten territory and keep him away from other SEC foes signals a changing dynamic. It also adds another layer of intrigue to future matchups, particularly against Florida and Kentucky, who now have to contend with the quarterback they hoped would lead their programs.
Howard’s commitment is expected to attract other top recruits, particularly wide receivers and offensive linemen looking to pair with an elite quarterback. Already, Tennessee is in the mix for several four-star and five-star offensive skill players, and Howard’s presence may tip the scales in their favor. Recruiting is often a momentum game, and Howard’s decision gives the Vols a surge at a crucial point in the cycle. With the early signing period just months away, Tennessee’s class is now firmly in the national top five and climbing.
The timing of the flip also gives Howard an opportunity to build relationships with future teammates and further embed himself in the program before arriving on campus. He plans to enroll early, participate in spring practice, and compete immediately. While Iamaleava is entrenched as the likely 2025 starter, Tennessee’s coaches have emphasized the importance of competition, and Howard has the mindset of a player who wants to earn his spot. Even if he doesn’t start immediately, his presence raises the floor of the quarterback room and sets the Vols up for success for years to come.
Behind the scenes, sources say the recruitment was handled with a high level of respect among all parties. Howard personally called the Ohio State coaching staff to inform them of his decision before announcing publicly, a move that was appreciated by those in Columbus. Similarly, he thanked Kentucky and Florida State for their efforts. His family emphasized that the decision was not about any one program’s shortcomings but rather the realization that Tennessee offered the best total fit—on the field, off the field, and for his future.
Tennessee’s staff deserves immense credit for their persistence and strategy. Rather than panicking when Howard committed to Ohio State, they continued to communicate, building a genuine relationship and presenting a clear vision. When the window opened for a flip, they were ready, organized, and persuasive. The result is a commitment that could shape the program for the next several years.
For Howard, the journey is just beginning. He will now carry the expectations of a passionate fanbase that has waited a long time for consistent quarterback excellence. But those who know him say he welcomes the pressure. A relentless competitor with a high football IQ and tireless work ethic, Howard is viewed as someone who will thrive in the spotlight. He understands the legacy of Tennessee quarterbacks, from Peyton Manning to Tee Martin to Hendon Hooker, and he aims to add his name to that lineage.
If he succeeds, this moment—the flip from Ohio State—will be remembered as the turning point. For now, Tennessee fans can celebrate a major win in the recruiting wars. Will Howard is headed to Knoxville, and Rocky Top just got a whole lot louder.
