Ohio State QB Will Howard Predicted to Join $275 Million Star on Struggling NFL Team
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard’s NFL Draft stock could improve with a strong showing in the College Football Playoff. Howard is widely projected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The signal-caller’s likely NFL path includes beginning his pro career as a backup. Heading into the Rose Bowl, Howard threw for 3,171 yards, 29 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 2024. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound quarterback also added 77 carries for 168 rushing yards and 7 TDs on the ground this season.
Howard has already committed to playing in the Senior Bowl, the first major event in the pre-draft process.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard pulls back for a throw.
Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Draft Network’s Justin Melo has the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting Howard in the sixth round with the No. 199 overall selection in a Dec. 12 NFL mock draft. Howard would be competing to back up Jags star quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
“The Jaguars are currently equipped with 10 selections,” Melo noted. “That’s enough capital to consider drafting a backup quarterback on day three. Mac Jones is playing on an expiring contract and may search for a better opportunity elsewhere.
“Will Howard hasn’t met Ohio State‘s lofty expectations, but he’s a draftable quarterback.”
Lawrence’s five-year, $275 million contract is slated to run through the 2030 season. Howard already had a strong showing versus the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round and leading the Buckeyes on a deep College Football Playoff run is the best way to boost his draft stock.
