The quarterback landscape for the 2025 NFL Draft is getting more interesting as Will Howard’s stock continues to rise.
His late-season performance for Ohio State turned heads, particularly after capturing the national championship with a victory against Notre Dame to cap the College Football Playoff.
Howard was 17-for-21 for 231 passing yards and two touchdowns, topped by a crucial third-down completion to Jeremiah Smith that sealed the win.
The game’s offensive MVP recently opened up about his NFL aspirations.
“I felt like I’ve had that chip on my shoulder the whole time. You know, I believe that I can be a first-round draft pick. I believe that I can go in and lead an organization. And I want to just show these teams that they can trust me and bring me in and be that guy,” Howard said on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
"I'm looking forward to getting after it and hopefully I can prove some people wrong..
I've had that chip on my shoulder and I believe that I can be a first round draft pick..
I wanna show these teams that they can trust me"@whoward_ #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/zcESBpejjn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 21, 2025
Howard’s journey is entering an exciting new phase as he prepares for the draft.
Though he’s still weighing his options regarding Senior Bowl participation after the physical demands of the CFP, his focus remains sharp.
He’s honing his skills with Excel Sports in Los Angeles, determined to showcase his abilities to scouts and team executives.
The numbers tell a compelling story of Howard’s development. He finished the season with 35 TD passes and racked up a career-best 4,010 passing yards.
His stats, representing personal bests across almost every category, highlight his growth as a player.
He also brings an added dimension as a rushing threat, perhaps making him even more appealing to NFL teams.
Howard’s path, which includes a stint at Kansas State, has set him up nicely for a professional career.
The buzz around his name is growing, and though a selection in the draft seems certain, the real intrigue lies in which team will make him their future quarterback.
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