From Combine Criticism to Championship Pedigree

Will Howard's path to the 2025 NFL Draft has been anything but conventional. The Ohio State quarterback found himself at the center of social media storms after his NFL Combine performance, with critics labeling his workout as one of the worst in recent memory. Yet, the 6'4", 236-pound signal-caller remains unfazed.

"I believe I'm the best quarterback in this class," Howard told ESPN. "There's unbelievable talent, but you have to have that belief in yourself to overcome adversity."

The Rocky Road to Columbus

Howard's college career reads like a script from a sports drama:

• 2020: Thrust into starting role at Kansas State as COVID freshman
• 2022: Lost starting job to transfer Adrian Martinez, only to reclaim it mid-season
• 2023: Led K-State to Big XII championship before transferring to Ohio State
• 2024: Overcame early-season struggles to win national championship

"The fact they wanted to go in another direction pissed me off," Howard said of leaving K-State. "But I needed that fire."

Proving Doubters Wrong

Ohio State coach Ryan Day took a gamble on Howard:

• Saw NFL-caliber leadership and football IQ
• Impressed by red-zone decision making
• Needed a QB who could handle Ohio State's pressure cooker

"Talking to Will was like talking to an NFL player," Day recalled of their first meeting.

NFL Draft Outlook

Despite combine criticism, scouts see value:

• Strengths: Size, championship experience, pro-style preparation
• Concerns: Arm strength, processing speed under pressure
• Projection: Middle-round pick with starter potential

As Howard prepares for draft night, he carries lessons from every setback. "S--- happens," he says. "It's the mentally tough who overcome."