Think back to 1998, when a lanky kid from Michigan slid to the sixth round because scouts thought he lacked “the right build.” Tom Brady’s draft story is NFL folklore now—a reminder that underestimating hunger can haunt franchises for decades. Fast-forward to today, and another quarterback prospect, Will Howard, is scribbling his own underdog script. But this time, the warning isn’t whispered in hindsight. It’s a headline before the ink dries on the draft board.
Howard’s tale isn’t just about arm strength or 40-yard dashes. It’s a mix of Rocky Balboa grit and Forrest Gump determination, served with a side of Midwestern humility. Imagine biting into a perfectly charred burger only to realize it’s secretly wagyu—unexpected, undeniable, and impossible to ignore. That’s Howard in a nutshell: a prospect simmering with playoff-tested confidence, ready to flip the script on anyone who skips his name draft night.
The Warning Shot
On April 14, quarterback prospect Will Howard made his stance clear during an ESPN interview: “Draft me or you’ll regret it.” The Ohio State transfer, fresh off a national title and CFP MVP honors, isn’t mincing words. His stats back the swagger—4,010 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a championship-winning drive against Notre Dame. However, scouts peg him as a mid-round pick, a label Howard perhaps calls ‘fuel for the fire.’
“Every single team that picks a quarterback in front of me,” he said. “I’m going to make it my mission to make sure they regret not picking me.” Sound familiar? It echoes Josh Rosen’s 2018 vow to expose “nine mistakes” before him—a promise that crumbled faster than a stale pretzel at a tailgate. Or Shedeur Sanders‘ recent “If you’re not ready to make a big change, don’t draft me” quip. But Howard’s resume packs more punch: two conference honors, 50 college games, and a knack for rising when stakes soar.
“I feel like my whole career I’ve been overlooked,” he added, referencing snubs from Penn State, Pitt, and Syracuse. “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.’”
From Manhattan to the Main Stage
Howard’s journey began at Kansas State, where he broke records (48 passing TDs) but flew under the radar. A 2024 transfer to Ohio State changed everything. Under Ryan Day, he sharpened his pocket poise and unleashed a 73.1% completion rate. “When coach (Ryan) Day came and met with me, he said, ‘I believe that you can be the guy that can lead us to the national title,’” Howard recalled. “I said, ‘I’m not gonna let you down.’” The bet paid off.
His playoff performance—including a three-TD thrashing of Tennessee—caught even Donald Trump’s attention. At Ohio State’s White House visit, the former president quipped, “Ohhh, he’s gonna be so rich,” before accidentally dubbing him “Tennessee quarterback.” The gaffe went viral, but Howard’s focus stayed grounded. “I love being the underdog, and when people don’t expect me to go out and do things, I do it,” he said. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s interest adds spice to the drama.
TRENDING: President Donald Trump says that Ohio State quarterback Will Howard will be the next great #NFL QB.
“Ohhh he’s gonna be so rich.”
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 14, 2025
At the NFL Combine, Mike Tomlin and staff took Howard to dinner alongside Buckeyes stars Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. “It’s close to home,” Howard said of Pittsburgh. “You never know. Anything can happen. It’s definitely a great spot.” The Steelers, eyeing a Day 3 gem, could slot Howard as a high-ceiling backup with starter potential. But questions linger
Critics point to streaky accuracy and occasional forced throws. He’s got the tools. but needs a system that masks his flaws and highlights his guts. So, Howard’s no plug-and-play prodigy. He’s a project with playoff DNA.
The Underdog Blueprint: Will Howard’s Path to Payback
Quarterback prospect Will Howard’s draft pitch hinges on two truths: He wins, and he remembers. His 14-2 record at Ohio State wasn’t just stats—it was ice-in-the-veins moments, like threading a 4th-quarter dagger against Georgia. Teams like the Rams and Raiders, craving a backup with starter upside, are circling.
Comparisons to Rosen are inevitable but flawed. Rosen’s career flamed out faster than a cheap firework; Howard’s built different. Josh talked—Will does. But this kid’s got that Big Ten grind in him. Besides, Howard’s used to proving doubters wrong, one snap at a time.
Sure, Trump’s “Tennessee quarterback” flub was comedy gold. But the viral moment spotlighted Howard’s composure. While social media debated the mix-up, scouts rewatched his 427-yard shredding of Oregon. Howard’s draft range? Rounds 3–5. His ceiling? Think Jake Plummer meets a bigger, bolder Taylor Heinicke. For teams like the Saints or Lions, that mentality might be worth a mid-round flyer.
A Question of Legacy
In The Natural, Roy Hobbs smashes a homer into the lights and asks, “Did I miss?” Howard’s arc feels similarly cinematic—a small-town kid chasing glory, armed with a rocket arm and a Reagan-era work ethic. But legacy isn’t written in press conferences or viral clips. It’s carved in fourth-down conversions and locker-room huddles.
As the draft nears, one question lingers: Will Howard be the next Brady-esque steal or another cautionary tale? Only time will tell. But as Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” So, NFL GMs: You’ve been warned. Draft him—or duck.
Main Image: Adam Cairns – USA Today Sports
