Ohio State to Host Kansas State QB Transfer Will Howard on Official Visit, per Report

Ohio State is pursuing a quick fix for its concerning quarterback situation. 

Will Howard, who entered the transfer portal from Kansas State, is taking an official visit to Columbus “in the coming days,” according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Howard, a grad transfer, has also taken visits to USC and Miami in addition to considering declaring for the NFL draft. 

The Buckeyes appear to need quarterback help after Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse, leaving uncertainty at the position. Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz were unimpressive in a 14–3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. The two combined to pass for 106 yards and no touchdowns. Yet in fairness to Brown, he suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter.

Howard would provide a reliable veteran presence for coach Ryan Day’s offense. In four seasons at KSU, he threw for 5,786 yards with 48 touchdowns to 25 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 921 yards and 10 touchdowns during his career, adding a running threat that Buckeyes QBs haven’t presented in recent seasons. 

Having Howard for one season would give Brown and Kienholz time to develop. Brown will be a junior next season while Kienholz will be a sophomore. A stopgap season would also allow an opportunity for incoming five-star freshman Air Noland time to learn the Buckeyes’ system and possibly redshirt for an additional season of eligibility.