Will Howard sends strong warning to NFL teams ahead of the 2025 Draft

Earlier this year, Will Howard led his Ohio State Buckeyes to the ultimate glory in college football, clinching the National Championship title. After declaring himself eligible for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, the talented quarterback wants to make one thing clear to any team that chooses not to select him.

In a recent appearance on Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL, Howard shared a thoughtful reflection on everything he’s had to work through to get to where he is, and what his path will look like moving forward in the highest level of competition.

“I feel like my whole career I’ve been overlooked,” Howard said. “I didn’t have an offer from Pitt, I didn’t have an offer from Syracuse, I didn’t have an offer from Boston College, Penn State, Duke, Carolina. None of those schools offered me. I was trying for years. And I went to Kansas State and said ‘I want to prove those people wrong. I hope Penn State looks back and says ‘damn, we missed out on Will Howard.'”

“You know, when I get to the NFL, I don’t want you guys to miss out on me,” the Buckeyes QB also added. “Because every single team that picks a quarterback in front of me I’m going to make it my mission to make sure that they regret not picking me.”

Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes participates in a drill during Ohio State Pro Day at Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

With a large number of quarterbacks set to enter the upcoming draft, it’s difficult to draw firm conclusions about Will Howard’s future. Still, his winning mentality has already caught the attention of several scouts and teams, intrigued by both his talent and leadership.

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What will be Will Howard’s next destination?

While Will Howard may not be projected as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft—falling behind names like Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), and Jalen Milroe (Alabama)—his combination of size, experience, and leadership still makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to develop a long-term solution under center.

One potential landing spot could be the New York Giants, who may look to reset at quarterback, despite adding Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Howard wouldn’t be expected to start right away, but his maturity and poise could make him a strong candidate to compete for the role within a year or two. The Cleveland Browns also stand out as an option, especially if they seek to build depth behind Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be another intriguing fit. With questions still surrounding Mason Rudolph’s ceiling and the need for a more dynamic presence at the position, Howard could be a mid-round pickup with real upside. Pittsburgh has a history of developing tough, smart quarterbacks, and Howard’s leadership qualities might mesh well with Mike Tomlin’s culture.