Will Howard’s journey to a College Football Playoff National Championship was a testament to resilience, adaptability, and seizing opportunity. From facing adversity and battling for his starting position at Kansas State to leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to victory against Notre Dame, Howard’s story unfolded like a classic underdog narrative, punctuated by unwavering belief in his abilities and a coach’s astute judgment.
Howard’s time at Kansas State was a rollercoaster of ups and downs, a period marked by both glimpses of brilliance and spells of inconsistency. He started as a freshman due to injury, but his performance was riddled with interceptions. He then spent time on the bench, eventually reclaiming the starting role only to lose it again. Despite the setbacks, Howard persevered, showcasing flashes of the talent that eventually caught the eye of Ohio State coach Ryan Day.
Day, impressed by Howard’s film and intrigued by his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a runner, reached out to the quarterback after he entered the transfer portal. Day recognized in Howard a maturity and football intelligence that transcended his statistical inconsistencies. He saw a player with untapped potential, someone who could thrive under the right guidance and within a supportive system. For Howard, the opportunity to join a powerhouse program like Ohio State, albeit with the immense pressure that came with it, was too tempting to resist.
Howard’s arrival in Columbus wasn’t met with universal acclaim. Skepticism lingered, fueled by his past struggles and the immense expectations that accompany playing quarterback for the Buckeyes. He embraced the pressure, however, understanding that it came with the territory of competing for championships. He internalized a mantra from former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud: “pressure is a privilege,” using it as motivation to prove his doubters wrong.
The 2023 season was a microcosm of Howard’s collegiate career, a blend of triumph and adversity that ultimately culminated in redemption. Early losses, including a heartbreaking defeat to rival Michigan and a last-second stumble against Oregon, tested Howard’s resolve. He openly acknowledged his mistakes, shouldering the responsibility for the setbacks and using them as fuel to improve. The Michigan loss, in particular, stung, further intensifying the pressure on Howard and the Buckeyes.
However, the playoffs provided the stage for Howard’s true coming-of-age story. He exorcised his demons against Oregon in the quarterfinals, throwing three touchdowns in a dominant victory. He followed that performance with a clutch display against Texas in the semifinals, leading the Buckeyes on a decisive scoring drive. These victories not only propelled Ohio State to the championship game but also solidified Howard’s status as a leader and validated Day’s belief in him.
The championship game against Notre Dame was the ultimate test, a chance for Howard to definitively answer his critics and cement his legacy. Facing a formidable defense, Howard orchestrated a masterful performance, showcasing both his arm and his legs. He set a championship game record by completing his first 13 passes, threw two touchdowns, ran for another, and managed the game with a poise that belied his previous inconsistencies. His performance earned him Offensive Player of the Game honors and, more importantly, delivered Ohio State its first national title in a decade.
Howard’s journey from inconsistent backup to national champion underscores the transformative power of opportunity, resilience, and the belief of a coach who saw potential where others saw uncertainty. His story is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest triumphs are forged in the crucible of past struggles. The championship victory wasn’t just a win for Ohio State; it was a personal triumph for Will Howard, a testament to his growth, maturity, and the unwavering belief that he could overcome adversity to achieve greatness. The quiet quarterback who once struggled to find his footing had finally arrived, leading his team to the pinnacle of college football and silencing any remaining doubts about his capabilities. His performance in the championship game solidified his place in Ohio State history and served as a powerful example of how perseverance and self-belief can lead to extraordinary achievements.
