Fourteen quarterbacks were taken in the NFL Draft this year, but only one is a national champion. Will Howard joins the NFL as a Pittsburgh Steeler, months after leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to their first national championship since 2014.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Howard in the 6th round of the NFL Draft last week with the 185th overall pick.
How Old Is New Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Will Howard?
Will Howard is 23 years old. He will turn 24 on September 24. He is one year older than 1st overall pick, Cam Ward, and two years older than the other 1st round quarterback, Jaxson Dart. However, he is two years younger than New Orleans Saints 2nd round pick, Tyler Shough. Shough was the oldest quarterback in the quarterback draft class at 25.
Howard spent five seasons in college football. He originally joined Kansas State as an early enrollee in 2020 and played several games in all four seasons he spent there without being an unquestioned starter. It was only during his senior season at Ohio State that he solidified his position as an NFL prospect.
Howard committed to Ohio State after entering the transfer portal in 2023, and quickly won the starting job. He was second in passing accuracy last season, behind only Shedeur Sanders. The 23-year-old threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns en route to a 14-2 regular season record. He was then instrumental in the national championship run. Howard played his best football in wins against Texas and Notre Dame in the College Football Playoffs, winning Offensive MVP in both games.
Will Howard Enters the NFL as the 185th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
Howard enters a quarterback room that currently includes career backups Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, with the specter of 4-time MVP Aaron Rodgers looming in the background. While it seems it is Rodgers’ job to lose, Howard has the opportunity to prove he is the long-term answer, even if the 41-year-old signs as a free agent.
The scouting report on Howard was that he has the prototypical size and arm strength. His throwing motion and quick release should translate in the NFL despite a shorter time in the pocket. He has stepped up in the biggest moments of his career so far.
Critics will point to his limited field vision and ability to read defenses while on the field. With Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, Howard rarely had to go through his progressions before finding an open receiver. However, it will not work that easily in the NFL, as his accuracy is also affected when he gets skittish in the pocket.
