Will Howard on facing Penn State: ‘They didn’t think I was good enough, I guess we’ll see'

Will Howard is looking to make a statement as he leads Ohio State into a matchup against Penn State next week. Of course, it will be one of the biggest games of the season pitting two College Football Playoff hopefuls against each other, but there’s a little extra motivation of Howard.

A native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard wanted grew up a Nittany Lions fan and dreamed of one day playing in Happy Valley. Unfortunately, Penn State did not offer him a scholarship coming out of high school and he signed with Kansas State instead.

Howard transferred to Ohio State this offseason and so far has the Buckeyes off to a 6-1 start. He’ll finally get to make the trip to play a game in Beaver Stadium, albeit as an opponent, and he’s determined to show the coaches and fans what they missed out on.

“I’m stoked,” Howard said. “I cannot wait. It’s gonna be a homecoming for me. I grew up a Penn State fan. I wanted to go there my whole life. They didn’t think I was good enough, but I guess we’ll see next week if I was.”

Howard was a three-star prospect coming out of high school who flew somewhat under the radar. He had just four offers from Power 5 programs but eventually proved himself more than a capable starter with the Wildcats, even leading them to a Big 12 Championship in 2022.

The fifth-year quarterback is so far off to one of his best starts this season with the Buckeyes, who rank No. 5 in the country in scoring offense. Howard has thrown for 1,795 yards and 17 touchdowns to just four interception across the first seven games.

He led Ohio State to 21-17 win against Nebraska on Saturday, throwing for 221 yards and three touchdowns to on interception. That is the kind of production he’ll hope to have against Penn State with kickoff for the contest set for noon ET next Saturday at Beaver Stadium.