Urban Meyer weighs in on impact of transfer QB Will Howard committing to Ohio State

Ohio State made a big move in the transfer portal for the 2024 season, adding Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard into the fold. And former Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer thinks Howard brings a handful of desirable attributes to the position.

Howard might not be the most polished drop-back passer or carry an elite recruiting pedigree, but he’s won a lot at Kansas State and proven to be tough, Meyer said. He explained what he sees in Howard on “Urban’s Take with Tim May.”

“Yeah I love Will Howard,” Meyer said. “I’ve watched him closely. The No. 1 thing is he’s a winner and he’s tough. And those are two things you want. I think of winner, tough, I think of — guys like JT Barrett come to mind. Is he going to be the No. 1 pick, No. 2 pick? Probably not, in the NFL draft, but he wins and he’s tough. And that’s what think of Will Howard.”

In four seasons at Kansas State as the primary quarterback, Howard is 31-19 and led the Wildcats to a 2022 Big 12 title. Since going 4-6 during the Covid year as a freshman, Kansas state has gone 27-13 the last three seasons.

Howard hasn’t been the most impressive passer during his career, with a 58.8-percent mark for completions on his career. But 2023 was his best year to date, completing 61.3-percent of his passes for a career-high 2,643 passing yards and 24 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. It was also his first season in college attempting more than 200 passes.

He’s also an adept rusher at 6-foot-4, and around 240 pounds. In 2023, he carried 81 times for 351 yards and nine touchdowns, including sack yardage.

And coming from one of the most consistently-successful programs in America — if not one that wins at the highest level — Meyer knows Howard comes to Ohio State with the right background to aid the Buckeyes.

“And he’s big, he’s I think 240 pounds. He’s big, he’s rugged and he’s been living in Manhattan, Kansas and made that — one thing about Kansas State, they’ve always been pretty good. Bill Snyder and this Klieman coach has done an excellent job. But I think big, tough and then also he’s a winner. And winning is not by accident. There’s a formula to winning and it’s very complicated. But you cut this guy open, and he’s a winner,” Meyer said.