Will Howard May Be in the NFL, but His Influence Still Shapes Ohio State as the Buckeyes Prepare for the 2025–26 College Football Playoff
COLUMBUS — Will Howard is officially an NFL quarterback now, but inside the walls of Ohio State’s football program, his presence is far from gone. As the Buckeyes gear up for the 2025–26 College Football Playoff, Howard’s influence continues to loom large — not through snaps or stats, but through culture, leadership, and expectations that still guide the team’s championship pursuit.
Even after returning to Ohio State during the offseason, Howard’s connection to the program has remained strong. Coaches, players, and staff speak openly about how his approach to preparation and pressure helped shape the current mindset of the locker room. In many ways, Ohio State isn’t just chasing a title — it’s building on a foundation Howard helped establish.
From Columbus to the NFL — and Back Again
Howard’s journey has been anything but ordinary. After establishing himself as a steady, battle-tested quarterback at the college level, he made the leap to the NFL, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Yet unlike many players who drift away once they turn pro, Howard has maintained a visible presence around the Buckeyes.
His offseason return to Ohio State wasn’t about reclaiming the spotlight. Instead, it was about mentorship. Howard spent time with quarterbacks, attended practices, and spoke candidly with younger players about the transition to professional football — the pressure, the preparation, and the mental demands that come with it.
“He didn’t come back acting like a star,” one team source said. “He came back like a leader who still cares.”
A Standard That Still Matters
What makes Howard’s influence so significant is the standard he set. During his time with Ohio State, he was known for toughness, composure, and accountability — traits that coaches continue to emphasize as the Buckeyes enter another high-stakes postseason run.
Current players frequently reference Howard when talking about preparation habits and leadership. His name comes up in film sessions, in meetings, and even in casual locker room conversations. Not because coaches force it — but because the example stuck.
“Will showed us how to handle pressure,” a teammate said. “Now that pressure’s even bigger.”
Quarterback Room Impact
Perhaps nowhere is Howard’s impact felt more strongly than in the quarterback room. As Ohio State prepares for the playoff, the current starter benefits from lessons Howard passed down — from reading defenses to managing the emotional swings of big games.
Howard has openly discussed the challenges of transitioning to the NFL, reinforcing the importance of mastering details at the college level. His message is simple but powerful: talent opens doors, but discipline keeps them open.
For a team with national championship aspirations, that message couldn’t be more timely.
Playoff Pressure and Legacy
The 2025–26 College Football Playoff represents more than just another opportunity for Ohio State — it’s a test of whether the program can turn consistency into championships. Howard’s legacy plays directly into that challenge.
While he won’t take the field, his influence helps steady the moment. Players understand what’s at stake. They’ve seen what it takes to reach the next level. And they’ve heard firsthand from someone who lived it.
That connection bridges the gap between college football dreams and professional reality — a powerful motivator for a roster loaded with NFL aspirations.
NFL Perspective Shapes the Message
Howard’s NFL experience has only strengthened his voice. When he talks about preparation, recovery, or mental resilience, players listen differently. He’s lived the consequences of small mistakes at the highest level.
That credibility has helped reinforce Ohio State’s internal message: the margin between winning and losing — in college and the NFL — is razor thin.
Coaches view Howard’s involvement as a bonus rather than a distraction. His presence doesn’t overshadow the current roster — it enhances it.
Ohio State’s Eyes on the Prize
As the Buckeyes prepare for the playoff, expectations remain sky-high. Talent is abundant. Depth is strong. But championships are often decided by leadership under pressure — an area where Howard’s imprint still shows.
Whether through direct advice or indirect example, his influence continues to shape how Ohio State handles the moment.
The irony is clear: even as Will Howard builds his NFL career, his impact on college football hasn’t diminished.
The Bigger Picture
Will Howard may no longer wear an Ohio State jersey on Saturdays, but his presence remains part of the program’s identity. His journey serves as proof that success isn’t just about where you play — it’s about what you leave behind.
As Ohio State steps into the spotlight of the 2025–26 College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes carry more than talent and expectations. They carry the influence of a quarterback who helped prepare them for this moment — even after moving on.
And that may be one of the most powerful legacies of all.
💬 Do you think Will Howard’s influence will help Ohio State win it all? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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