Ohio State, USC still options for Will Howard, but NFL remains a possibility

Although he was one of the first quarterbacks to enter the transfer portal, Will Howard has yet to make a decision. The former Kansas State quarterback has taken visits to USC and Miami, but he remains in the portal after three weeks.

When Howard initially transferred, On3’s Pete Nakos reported the NFL would be an option for him. As he goes through the portal process, Nakos said that remains the case, and the Jan. 15 deadline to declare for the draft is something to watch as December comes to a close and January approaches.

Ohio State is another school to watch for Howard’s services, along with USC. For Miami, it sounds like the quarterback pursuit is heading in another direction.

“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.”

How USC, Ohio State factor in to Will Howard’s transfer portal recruitment

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 last week, with sources saying the Buckeyes emerged as “a real player” after losing Kyle McCord to the portal when the window opened. It’s shaping up to be an interesting recruitment with bowl games and the College Football Playoff quickly approaching.