Will Howard’s journey at Ohio State may have lasted just one season, but its impact will be present for years to come. With a new feature at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex, the program is all set to make sure all the newcomers who join the team and want to follow the path of Howard know what he feels about the program, staff, and coach Ryan Day.
Ohio State Immortalizes Will Howard’s Words Towards The Team And Ryan Day
On June 12, 2025, 10TV Sports Anchor Adam King shared a glimpse of the Ohio State facility’s latest addition on X:
New Will Howard quote that will greet players at the Woody.
“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.”
-Will Howard pic.twitter.com/f6znaSEST9
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) June 12, 2025
This new feature is positioned to greet the new players with words of inspiration from one of its finest. Howard’s words reflect not just his growth as a player, but the deep personal connections he forged in Columbus.
Howard arrived at Ohio State in 2024 as a transfer from Kansas State, where he had played for four seasons. Initially met with skepticism from fans, he quickly won them over, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024.
His final collegiate season was a breakout, with 4,010 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, topping the Big Ten in both categories. By the time he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard had become a beloved figure in Columbus, leaving with a title and a legacy.
Will Howard has a message for teams during next weekend’s NFL Draft:
“Every single team that picks a quarterback in front of me, I’m going to make it my mission to make sure that they regret not picking me.”
Howard’s 2024 stats with Ohio State:
– 73.1% CMP, 4,010 yds, 35 TD, 10… pic.twitter.com/3ltXz5RwFA— The Dawgs – A Cleveland Browns Podcast (@thedawgspodcast) April 15, 2025
Selected in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Howard’s departure was bittersweet for Buckeye Nation. His gratitude toward Day and the program stands as a testament to the culture that guided Ohio State to a title and more.
Now Howard’s NFL journey is just beginning, but his role with the Steelers is still a work in progress. Pittsburgh, coming off a 2024 season with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields splitting quarterback duties, saw both players depart: Fields to the New York Jets and Wilson to the New York Giants.
The Steelers signed future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers and positioned Howard as a developmental prospect behind the veteran. Despite a strong offseason, Howard is unlikely to start in 2025, with Rodgers expected to take the helm.
Howard’s tenacity, honed at Ohio State, has earned him a mentor in one of the game’s greatest. While his ceiling may not be as high as some first-round picks, his work ethic and intangibles could carve out a long NFL career.
