Ryan Day on Will Howard in QB battle: 'His experience is showing'

As Ohio State builds its identity this spring a huge part of it is identifying a capable quarterback to run the offense following the departure of Kyle McCord via the transfer portal. An addition from the portal, Kansas State‘s Will Howard, is the likeliest option.

And listening to some of the commentary from coach Ryan Day this spring, it’s clear Howard’s experience has emerged as a major factor in the battle.

“We haven’t really talked about (a pecking order) very much, but his experience is definitely showing,” Day said. “I think that he’s played a lot of football before. And I think his combination on the field of being able to extend plays with his feet, run in the run game, pull the ball, we’ve seen that happen before, and then be accurate in the pocket throwing the ball, play-action, on the move. All those things put stress on the defense.”

Will Howard already has a considerable track record at the college level. He’s thrown for 5,786 yards in the last four seasons, though he’s coming off his most productive campaign most recently.

As a senior in 2023, Howard threw for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns, against 10 interceptions. He also ran for 351 yards and nine scores, showing some ability to move around.

Ohio State is getting him ready by throwing as much as possible at him this spring.

“We’re trying to put him in the most difficult situations we possibly can,” Day explained. “Third down, third-and-long, second-and-long, different situations just to see how those guys respond, just like everybody else.”

So far, so good for Will Howard.

Whoever wins the job will have ample weapons to work with, from the likes of Emeka Egbuka and superstar freshman recruit Jeremiah Smith at receiver, to Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson at running back.

It’s just about putting things together at the quarterback spot.

“One thing about Will (Howard) is he’s working really hard,” Day said. “He’s in the building early, he’s in the building late, he’s putting a lot of work in. You can just see that. I think the guys see that. And the part of all those quarterbacks is what do the guys think? What do the receivers think? What does the offensive line think? And I think he’s done a really good job of trying to win those guys over.

“All the quarterbacks have, but you definitely see the hard work there, you see the experience and you see the ability. I think every practice that he’s out there he’s learning the offense and feeling more comfortable with it.”