Will to Win: Former Ohio State QB Will Howard Already Turning Heads in Pittsburgh
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For much of his college career, Will Howard was labeled a late bloomer, a transfer project, or at best, a reliable stopgap quarterback. But somewhere between leading Kansas State to a Big 12 Championship, transferring to Ohio State for a final run, and now stepping into the NFL, something changed.
Howard is no longer under the radar.
The former Buckeye and Wildcat is turning heads in Pittsburgh, where early reports from OTAs suggest the Steelers may have found their quarterback of the future—or, at the very least, a fearless competitor with an insatiable drive to win.
“He’s sharp, he’s vocal, and he looks like a pro,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. “We knew he was a gamer, but the way he’s carried himself in the building—it’s been impressive.”
For a quarterback once overlooked by the bluebloods and doubted by NFL scouts, Will Howard is quietly reshaping the narrative, one rep at a time.
From Underdog to Household Name
Howard’s path to Pittsburgh wasn’t conventional. Coming out of Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania, he was rated as a three-star recruit and chose Kansas State over lesser-known suitors. Big-armed but raw, he was expected to develop slowly behind veteran quarterbacks.
Instead, Howard was thrown into action as a freshman and took his lumps. Critics called him inconsistent. Coaches called him promising. Fans weren’t sure what to make of him.
But Howard never wavered.
By his fourth year, he led Kansas State to a Big 12 title and helped engineer a shocking upset of then-undefeated TCU in the 2022 conference championship. His final year at K-State saw him throw for over 2,600 yards and 24 touchdowns, along with 9 rushing scores—earning him second-team All-Big 12 honors.
Yet when NFL buzz didn’t follow, Howard made a bold move: transferring to Ohio State to compete for a national title and elevate his draft stock.
“People thought I was crazy,” Howard admitted at the NFL Combine. “But I knew I had more to prove.”
One Year in Columbus, One Giant Leap
At Ohio State, Howard entered a quarterback room filled with five-stars and future pros. But it was the 6-foot-5 veteran—tough, cerebral, and unshaken by pressure—who earned the trust of head coach Ryan Day.
“Will brought a calmness to our offense,” Day said. “He didn’t try to do too much. He understood the game, and he made the throws when it mattered.”
In 2024, Howard led Ohio State to an 11–2 record, a Rose Bowl appearance, and a late-season upset over Michigan that snapped a three-year losing streak in the rivalry. He threw for 3,012 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions, while adding 5 rushing scores.
He wasn’t flashy, but he was effective. And when draft day arrived, the NFL had finally taken notice.
A Surprising Fit in the Steel City
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Howard in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 82nd overall—a value pick by most analysts’ standards. With Kenny Pickett traded to the Falcons and Russell Wilson nearing the end of his career, Pittsburgh was clearly looking to the future.
But few expected Howard to make an impression this quickly.
“He’s already acting like a guy who belongs,” said veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson. “There’s no ‘rookie’ in his vibe. He commands the huddle. You can tell he’s played real football in real environments.”
Early in OTAs, Howard has been splitting second-team reps with former first-round pick Justin Fields, while Wilson holds the presumed starter’s role—for now. But coaches insist the job is open.
And if Howard keeps stacking good days, that could change fast.
Football IQ Meets Fire
What separates Howard from many young QBs isn’t just his 6’5″ frame or surprisingly nimble footwork—it’s his football brain.
Scouts rave about his ability to diagnose defenses pre-snap and manipulate safeties with his eyes. It’s the kind of subtle command often missing from rookie quarterbacks.
“Will sees the whole field like a 10-year vet,” said Steelers QB coach Mike Sullivan. “He’s got that blend of poise and fire—you need both to win here.”
In a city where quarterbacks are scrutinized like mayors and revered like rockstars, Howard’s no-nonsense attitude and blue-collar background are already winning hearts.
The Pittsburgh Culture Fit
Steelers fans pride themselves on toughness. Grit. Mentality. Howard, who battled through boos, injuries, and benchings during his early K-State years, fits right in.
Born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, Howard understands the weight of Pennsylvania football. His dad was a high school coach. His brothers played sports. His family still lives on the same street where Will first learned to throw a spiral at age seven.
“This isn’t bright lights and selfies,” Howard said in a recent interview. “This is hard-nosed, cold-weather football. I love it.”
And Pittsburgh loves him right back.
The Quarterback Room Dynamic
With Russell Wilson in the twilight of his career and Justin Fields facing what could be a make-or-break year, Howard is uniquely positioned. He’s both the future and a possible present.
Insiders say the Steelers have been impressed with Howard’s ability to absorb the playbook, offer feedback during film sessions, and ask the right questions.
“It’s not about ego with him,” said offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo. “He wants to win. That’s it. That’s the tweet.”
While Fields has the athletic edge and Wilson the experience, Howard’s blend of size, smarts, and maturity may be the most sustainable.
The Steelers, known for organizational patience, aren’t in a rush—but they know what they have.
The Leadership Factor
One of the most noticeable things about Howard in his early NFL days? His voice.
Whether calling plays in the huddle or correcting a route during drills, Howard speaks like someone who’s already earned the locker room. It’s rare for a rookie quarterback to lead that way, but Howard isn’t like most rookies.
“He walks in like he’s the CEO of a company,” said one team staffer. “Not arrogant—just confident, prepared, and professional.”
That leadership trait has drawn comparisons to former Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger, who also came from a smaller school (Miami of Ohio) and made waves early in his career.
The Road Ahead
Howard’s journey is far from over. NFL defenses are faster, more complex, and far less forgiving than even the toughest Saturdays in the Big Ten or Big 12. He’ll have to continue adjusting to tighter throwing windows, faster edge rushers, and the weekly chess match that defines life as an NFL quarterback.
But few doubt he’s up to the challenge.
“He’s one of those guys who gets better the more you throw at him,” said Arthur Smith. “If he keeps this up, he’s going to give us some tough decisions come fall.”
Not Just a Stopgap—A Story in the Making
Will Howard is more than just a potential starter. He represents something increasingly rare in pro football: a player who improved every year, stayed humble, and chose substance over hype.
He didn’t enter college as a phenom. He didn’t cash in early with the first NIL deal. He bet on himself—twice—and now stands on the cusp of making his NFL dream a reality.
That’s not just a comeback story. That’s a Pittsburgh story.
A QB for the Steel Future?
The Steelers may or may not hand Howard the keys this season. But one thing is clear: they believe in him. And in Pittsburgh, belief goes a long way.
Whether he starts in 2025 or waits his turn, Will Howard has already won over his coaches, teammates, and a city that knows a thing or two about hard-earned respect.
“I didn’t come here to be a clipboard holder,” Howard said after practice this week. “I came to compete, to grow, and to help this franchise win championships. That’s the standard. That’s why I’m here.”
With a will to win and a heart built for the Steel City, Will Howard’s story is only beginning.
