Former Kansas State QB Will Howard to visit Ohio State

Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard will visit Ohio State, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Howard’s transfer portal tour extended past the New Year.

“Sources: Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard will take an official visit to Ohio State in the upcoming days, a sign of mutual interest between the parties,” Thamel wrote on Twitter. “He’s visited both Miami and USC and is also considering the NFL Draft.”

On3’s Pete Nakos also confirmed Howard’s upcoming visit to the Buckeyes.

At this point, it seems like Howard has numerous options and could be a huge get in the portal, if he doesn’t go to the pros.

Around Christmas time, Nakos gave his layout of Howard’s potential future, especially with January 15th listed as the deadline to declare for the NFL Draft.

“That’s another one where I think the NFL is going to actually be on the auction board,” Nakos told Andy Staples on Andy Staples On3. “Jan. 15 is another day to know. I’ve heard USC, I know he obviously visited Miami. I don’t think Miami is very confident he’s gonna land there.

“And obviously, Ohio State is still shopping for a quarterback. I don’t think they’re completely off the quarterback market. … But yeah, I think the Buckeyes definitely are at least looking at Will Howard. And USC, obviously, and Lincoln Riley would obviously love to add him and have Howard be the starting quarterback for the Trojans in 2024.”

Howard’s resume is impressive after four years at K-State. He helped lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022, and he totaled 2,643 passing yards in 2023 while splitting time with Avery Johnson.

After entering the portal, Howard checked in as the No. 7 overall transfer and the No. 4-ranked quarterback to hit the portal so far this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

USC’s interest in Howard has been well-documented. After he entered the portal Nov. 27, Riley met with Howard Dec. 2. Then, he visited USC’s campus Dec. 15, which was just a few days before Malachi Nelson officially entered the portal.

But Nakos previously reported Ohio State’s interest in Howard’s services, with sources saying the Buckeyes emerged as “a real player” after losing Kyle McCord to the portal when the window opened.

Nick Schultz contributed to this report