The Ohio State Buckeyes have once again asserted their dominance in college football, clinching the National Championship under the leadership of star quarterback Will Howard and head coach Ryan Day. Howard delivered a playoff performance for the ages, proving he’s capable of shining on the biggest stages. Now, all eyes are on him as a potential top pick for a quarterback-needy team like the Indianapolis Colts in the near future.
Starting his journey at Kansas State, Howard was a promising four-star recruit out of Pennsylvania. Over four years with the Wildcats, he showcased his dual-threat capabilities, amassing 5,786 passing yards and 48 touchdowns. His tenure at Kansas State reached a high point with a thrilling victory over TCU in the 2022 Big 12 Championship game. With an impressive season behind him, Howard entered the transfer portal and landed with the Ohio State Buckeyes, leading to a season that ended in National Championship glory.
Howard’s playoff performance has certainly caught the attention of scouts: in four games, he racked up 1,150 passing yards and eight touchdowns. His stellar display included a standout game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he threw for two touchdowns with 17 completions on 21 attempts, sealing a 34-23 victory. Such feats have catapulted Howard up the mock draft boards, highlighting his readiness for the NFL’s grandest stage.
For the Colts, the quarterback situation remains a challenge. Anthony Richardson, while showing flashes of potential, has struggled with consistency. His league-low completion rate of 47.7% and a quarterback rating of 61.6 raise concerns about his future in Indianapolis. Despite his prowess as a runner, Richardson’s passing struggles might lead the Colts to rethink their long-term strategy.
The 2025 NFL Draft could be a turning point for Indianapolis, and Howard’s recent successes have made him an attractive prospect. He not only delivered Ohio State its first National Championship since the days of Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and CJ Stroud, but he did so under considerable pressure and doubt. If Colts General Manager Chris Ballard is considering a change, Howard’s performance might just be the catalyst for a new era in Indianapolis quarterbacking. It feels like the young talent from Pennsylvania has all the makings of orchestrating his own NFL playoff run and revitalizing the Colts’ franchise.
