Chip Kelly 'really impressed' by new Ohio State transfer QB Will Howard

It didn’t take long for Chip Kelly to approve of Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard. On Tuesday, the newly hired Ohio State offensive coordinator revealed his first impressions of Howard.

“I’m really impressed,” Kelly said. “You don’t have to talk to Will for more than five minutes to know where he’s coming from. He’s really focused. He knows he’s got a short window left in his college career and really wants to capitalize on what that is. There’s a maturity to Will.

“Some of the best players I’ve had an opportunity to coach are transfers. Sometimes, when you’re a true freshman, and it’s five years out, it’s like, ‘Hey, I got a ton of time.’ And sometimes, when you’re a transfer, it’s that, ‘I’ve got nine months.’ So, there’s a sense of urgency I think when you’re dealing with transfers, and I think Will has exuded that since he’s been here.”

This season is Howard’s final chance to stamp his legacy on the game at the collegiate level. He’s certainly already made a mark. In 25 career starts at Kansas State, Howard tallied a 14-11 record.

His best season came this past fall, throwing for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing a career-high 61.3% of his passes. He boasts 5,786 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in his career.

For his efforts in the 2023 campaign, Howard was selected for the All-Big 12 Second Team (Coaches) and was named an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Kelly claims Howard not only adds talent to the Buckeyes, but leadership too.

Will Howard earning his respect in the weight room

“The other thing that I’ve noticed just in the short time that Will’s been here is how quickly he’s fit in with the entire team and how much the rest of the players respect him,” Kelly said. “He was one of the gold award winners for his work in the weight room in this offseason. That says a lot for him coming in here in a short time, being able to win a weight room award.”

Kelly’s comments bode well for Howard’s future with the Buckeyes. Before the former UCLA head coach took the podium, OSU head coach Ryan Day explained what Howard must do to earn the starting spot.

“You don’t just walk into Ohio State — and I have said this before — and just think you’re gonna go become the starting quarterback. It doesn’t work that way,” Day told the press.“There’s just too much pride here. What [director of football sport performance] Mick Marotti and our strength staff do here in the offseason, there’s just a lot that comes with it.

“You don’t just show up in the weight room and then go home. There’s a lot of accountability that happens and our guys take a lot of pride in that. There’s only one way to [earn a starting spot]. That’s to earn it through respect.”