The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a new era at quarterback after their former starter, Kyle McCord, transferred to the Syracuse Orange.
McCord had a solid 2023 season as he passed for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns. It initially came as a shock when he entered the transfer portal.
But now that the dust has settled, you won’t find too many Buckeye fans missing McCord all that much.
Ohio State was able to lure veteran quarterback Will Howard away from Kansas State and he’s since won the starting job as the Buckeyes get set to kick off the season.
Moving from Manhattan, Kansas, to the football powerhouse of Columbus, Ohio, represents a significant change for Howard.
He recently spoke about the differences between the two programs.
“I think the one thing I would say is that I don’t feel like I have to be a hero here,” Howard said of his new home. “I have the guys around me where I just need to facilitate, get them the ball, and make good decisions.
“At the end of the day, I don’t have to go out there and do anything superhuman. I just have to be myself and trust the guys around me.”
Howard certainly has an abundance of talent surrounding him in Columbus.
Among the Buckeyes’ new additions is former Ole Miss Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins, who transferred to Ohio State after amassing 2,725 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns during his time in Oxford.
The Buckeyes’ receiving corps is loaded as usual.
The team has bolstered its lineup with recruits like former five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and former four-star wide receiver Mylan Graham.
Ohio State also returns a solid group of receivers, including Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss, providing Howard with a plethora of options – much more than he was used to at Kansas State, that’s for sure.
Opinions vary on Howard, but many analysts and talent evaluators feel he’s more than capable of leading the Buckeyes to the national title.
With the expanded College Football Playoff field, the road sure won’t be easy. But 2024 certainly feels like the year Ryan Day could finally get over the hump and win it all.
The Buckeyes will kick off their season against the Akron Zips on August 31. It’s safe to say that Howard will be playing in front of a few more eyeballs than what he would have had he stayed at Kansas State.
What are your thoughts on Howard as a quarterback? … Do you think he has what it takes to lead Ohio State to the national title???