Rose Bowl officials refuse to let Will Howard on stage after Ohio State romp over Oregon

Ohio State rolled over Oregon in the College Football Playoff 41-21 on Wednesday afternoon, setting up a celebratory postgame atmosphere inside the Rose Bowl. One that quarterback Will Howard was temporarily blocked out of.

After conducting an on-field interview with ESPN’s broadcast crew, Howard went to join his teammates on stage where the game trophy and other awards were being presented.

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But Howard wasn’t allowed to join them.

A bowl official appeared to be in charge of letting people on the stage, and he denied Will Howard’s repeated attempts to join his teammates. Howard reacted with surprise.

“Yeah I know, they’re blocking me over there, too,” Howard said. “Guys, there’s a weight limit, apparently. … they’re literally blocking me out.”

Check it out below.

Will Howard can’t get on the stage!

Let Will on the podium. pic.twitter.com/6lEGb5H7US

— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) January 2, 2025

Fans surrounding the stage on the field did their best to help Will Howard get on stage, shouting at the bowl official that he was the team’s quarterback. To no avail.

Oh well, Howard can celebrate after winning his second straight playoff game. He was as sharp as a knife’s edge during the early going.

Will Howard threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in the win, going 17-of-26 passing in the game. He helped set up freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith for a record-breaking performance in the win, with Smith breaking the freshman school record for most receiving yards. He finished with seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns.

In any case, Howard will likely forget the postgame snub pretty quickly. It’s on to a semifinal matchup next.

Ohio State will take on Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.