Ryan Day addresses how Will Howard can earn starting quarterback job

Will Howard transferred to Ohio State to win a job and lead the Buckeyes in 2024, make no mistake about it.

Ryan Day made it clear that he expects Howard to battle each day and earn respect to become a leader with the team. Following Kyle McCord’s departure to Syracuse, Howard’s transfer was a big one this offseason.

Day opened up how Howard will earn his way to Ohio State’s QB1 role.

“Will came here to play football,” Day said. “I hope that’s his mentality and I hope all the guys have that mentality so you know, he’s gonna learn the offense and get going but he’s done a great job so far with the feedback a big part of the quarterback play here is what goes on in that weight room with Coach Mick. The leadership, the way that guys work, you have to build credibility amongst your teammates. That’s a big part of it. 

“And we talked to quarterbacks about this all the time. Talk to him about, you know, CJ (Stroud), when he first went to the NFL, you have to endear yourself into that building. And you have to earn the respect of the guys in the building and I think, you know, Will is doing that.”

Howard played four seasons at Kansas State. He had his best year in 2023, throwing for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 61.3% completion percentage. He also ran for 351 yards and nine touchdowns.

Over the course of his career, Howard had 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, 25 interceptions, a 58.8% completion percentage, 921 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Howard was a three-star recruit out of Downingtown (Pa.) West, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 10 overall prospect in the state, the No. 64 quarterback in the class and the No. 961 overall prospect in the class.

“That quarterback room is super loaded. You bring in Julian Sayin. You’ve got another five-star in Air Noland. You still have [Lincoln] Kienholz and Devin Brown,” On3’s Jesse Simonton said. “I don’t think all those guys are gonna be around post-spring… but there’s a case that, hey, if Howard’s not getting it done because last year I think you could make the case that Kyle McCord was kind of what was holding the Buckeyes back.

“So, if he’s not getting it done, he can be a new face in a new place where he’s maybe ceding the ball or his starting hand to someone else.”