In the hallowed halls of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, where legends are forged and championship aspirations are meticulously cultivated, a new quote has taken its place among the motivational pronouncements that greet Ohio State Buckeyes players. This isn’t from a revered coaching figure of the past, nor a decorated alumnus with a lifetime of accolades. Instead, it comes from Will Howard, a transfer quarterback who spent a single, yet undeniably transformative, year in Columbus, culminating in a National Championship. His profound statement regarding Ryan Day and the Ohio State program – “They’ve changed my life in more ways than I can say, man. Coach Day and these guys here have completely changed my life. I’ve been developed here like I’ve never been developed before”1 – is now prominently displayed, serving as a powerful testament to the impact of the Buckeyes’ culture.
Howard’s journey to Ohio State was itself a fascinating narrative. After four seasons at Kansas State, where he experienced the highs of a Big 12 championship and the lows of quarterback battles and injuries, he entered the transfer portal seeking a new challenge and a final opportunity to elevate his game. The decision to join the Buckeyes, a program with perennial national championship aspirations and intense quarterback competition, was a bold one. He arrived in Columbus not as a guaranteed starter, but as a veteran presence vying for the top spot, eager to immerse himself in a system known for producing NFL-caliber talent.
What Howard found at Ohio State, as his quote vividly illustrates, transcended mere football development. While his on-field performance during the 2024 season was indeed exceptional – leading the Buckeyes to a 14-2 record, a Big Ten title, and ultimately the College Football Playoff National Championship – it was the holistic transformation he experienced that left the deepest impression. His play in the CFP was particularly stellar, completing over 75% of his passes for more than 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns, earning Offensive MVP honors in the national championship game against Notre Dame. He credits this peak performance directly to the development he received at Ohio State.
When Howard speaks of being “developed here like I’ve never been developed before,” it speaks volumes about the coaching staff, the resources, and the competitive environment at Ohio State. Coach Ryan Day, known for his offensive acumen and quarterback development, clearly provided Howard with an environment conducive to growth. This likely involved meticulous film study, advanced technique work, and a system that maximized his unique skill set, combining his passing ability with his underrated mobility. The offensive line, the elite wide receiver corps (featuring talents like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka), and the overall talent level of the Buckeyes’ roster also played a crucial role, allowing Howard to showcase his abilities with top-tier support.
However, the “changed my life in more ways than I can say” portion of his quote hints at something deeper than just on-field improvements. It points to the personal, mental, and spiritual growth that Howard experienced during his relatively short time in Columbus. Ohio State’s program, under Ryan Day, has consistently emphasized the holistic development of its student-athletes, focusing on character, leadership, and preparing them for life beyond football. For a fifth-year senior like Howard, who had seen different programs and approaches, this aspect clearly resonated powerfully.
Evidence of this deeper impact can be seen in Howard’s public expressions of faith and his leadership within the team’s spiritual culture. He often wore wristbands with Bible verses, made celebratory Instagram posts after wins that included scripture, and spoke openly about his reliance on faith through ups and downs. This spiritual growth, fostered within the Ohio State locker room which had a growing culture of faith, was clearly a significant part of his life-changing experience. He acknowledged how sharing a locker room with strong believers helped in his “walk with the Lord,” underscoring the positive influence of his teammates and the program’s environment.
For Ryan Day and his staff, Howard’s powerful remark is a profound vindication. Day has faced intense scrutiny, particularly after multiple losses to Michigan prior to the 2024 season. Bringing in a transfer quarterback like Howard was a high-stakes decision, one that ultimately paid off with a national championship. Howard’s public declaration that Day and his staff “completely changed my life” and provided unprecedented development silences critics and reaffirms Day’s capabilities as a coach and a leader of young men. It’s a ringing endorsement from a player who experienced the culmination of Day’s vision – a national title.
The display of Howard’s quote at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is a brilliant strategic move by Ohio State. For every prospective recruit who walks through those doors, particularly quarterbacks, Howard’s words serve as a powerful testament. It’s an authentic, unsolicited endorsement from a player who arrived, achieved the ultimate team success, and left feeling profoundly impacted. It speaks to the effectiveness of the coaching, the strength of the program’s culture, and the commitment to player development, all of which are crucial selling points in today’s highly competitive recruiting landscape. When a top-tier athlete states that a program changed his life, it resonates far more deeply than any marketing slogan or glossy brochure.
Howard’s story is also a prime example of the positive potential of the transfer portal. While the portal often sparks debates about loyalty and team cohesion, it also provides athletes with opportunities to find the best fit for their personal and athletic growth. For Howard, Ohio State was that perfect fit, allowing him to flourish both as a player and as a person in his final collegiate season. His success and his subsequent praise for the program demonstrate how a symbiotic relationship can benefit both the player and the university.
As Howard moves on to the NFL, having been drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, his bond with Ohio State remains strong. His return to Columbus for a youth football camp and his heartfelt comments about “calling this place home forever” underscore the deep connection he forged in just one year. This enduring loyalty is a testament to the transformative experience he had, an experience so profound that he felt compelled to share its life-altering nature. Will Howard arrived in Columbus seeking a championship; he left with that, an NFL opportunity, and a conviction that his life had been truly, fundamentally changed by his time as an Ohio State Buckeye. His words, now immortalized on the walls of the Buckeyes’ facility, will inspire generations to come.
