OSU's Will Howard Says He Has 'What It Takes to Be a QB1 in the NFL' Ahead of Draft

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard told reporters after his Pro Day performance on Wednesday that he believes he has what it takes to be a starting NFL quarterback, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic.

“I think I showed I can throw the ball at every level,” Howard said. “I feel like my leadership, my intelligence and my arm strength (stand out). I believe in myself. That’s not a knock to any other quarterback in this draft. I think I’m the best, and if you don’t feel like you’re the best to come out this year, then why are you doing this? I feel like I have what it takes to be a QB1 in the NFL, and whatever franchise takes me is not going to regret it.”

The latest B/R NFL Scouting Department big board has Howard listed as the 54th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL draft, ranked as the third quarterback behind Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders.

Howard has a grade of 7.5 out of 10, falling into the 7.5-7.9 point category (potential impact player / second-rounder).

Looking at the NFL landscape and considering his current projection, it wouldn't appear Howard is going to get a shot at starting right out of the gate. However, it also wouldn't be a surprise to see him get an opportunity down the line and make the most of it.

Howard, a former Kansas State star, transferred to Ohio State this past year and proceeded to lead the Buckeyes to their first national championship in 10 years. He completed 73.0 percent of his passes for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns (10 interceptions). Howard also ran for 226 yards and seven more scores.

Per Jackson, Howard saw that Ohio State opportunity as a big help toward a pro career.

“This extra year, especially coming to a place like this, I looked at it like my ultimate goal was to be a starting quarterback in the NFL,” Howard said. “I felt like I needed to take a step in a pro direction, and I looked at coming to Ohio State as a pro step. Being here this year … nothing but amazing things. Best decision I ever made was coming to Ohio State. I got so much out of it, and I feel like I’m so much more prepared now than I ever was before just because of the people here, the development I got and even just playing against our defense (in practice). Everything was great.”

That experience playing at Ohio State and rolling to the national championship should certainly help him on the next level. Physically, Howard's size (6'4", 236 pounds) is a big plus as well.

Ultimately, it only takes one team believing in Howard to give him a chance. We'll see where he lands soon enough with the draft beginning Thursday, April 25 in Green Bay.