ATLANTA — Will Howard made the pivotal move to Ohio State with the goal of clinching a national championship, and he achieved this feat by delivering an outstanding performance in the Buckeyes’ four games within the College Football Playoff.
His most impressive moments came during the first half and the closing stages of Ohio State’s 34-23 triumph over Notre Dame on Monday night.
Howard began the game in remarkable form, completing his first 13 passes and setting the record for the most consecutive completions in a CFP title game. At a crucial moment on third-and-11, when the Fighting Irish had just narrowed the score difference to eight points, he skillfully threw a 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith, all but sealing the victory for his team.
“I credit this guy immensely,” said Buckeyes coach Ryan Day while Howard sat beside him. “He ran the ball 16 times, and we anticipated that. It was the final game of the year, and we were determined to give it our all. He truly carried the team.”
Howard arrived in Atlanta with momentum, and Notre Dame couldn’t find a way to slow him down in the initial stages of the game. He effectively distributed the ball among six different receivers, frequently opting for short passes and allowing his teammates to gain yards after the reception.
He tied the record for consecutive completions late in the second quarter with a 20-yard pass to Carnell Tate on third-and-7, then broke it shortly after with a 15-yard completion to Smith. The streak ended when Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts disrupted a pass that was aimed at TreVeyon Henderson in the end zone.
“Coming into the season, Coach Day emphasized the importance of making completions,” Howard shared. “Sometimes I had to take the safe route, or the play wasn’t perfectly designed. Keeping the ball moving and staying on track was what mattered most.”
Prior to Howard’s achievement, the record for consecutive completions in a title game belonged to Alabama’s Mac Jones, who completed 12 passes consecutively against Ohio State in the 2021 championship.
Howard wrapped up the game with an impressive 17 completions out of 21 attempts for a total of 231 yards, earning the title of offensive MVP for the night. He tossed touchdown passes of 8 yards to Smith and 6 yards to Quinshon Judkins in the first half.
Throughout his four playoff appearances, Howard boasted a completion rate of 75.2%, hitting 82 of 109 passes for 1,150 yards along with eight touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions.
“It can be overwhelming,” acknowledged Howard. “The spotlight is glaring. The TV timeouts feel long; it’s all very dramatic. You have to block out that noise and remain focused. It boils down to maintaining composure amid the chaos and overcoming challenges.”
Howard’s passing proficiency versus the Irish was complemented by his ability to run effectively when needed. He secured first downs on five of his initial six designated runs or scrambles, with a key 8-yard run late in the game allowing the Buckeyes to gain an important first down. He finished the game with a career-high 16 carries for a season-best 57 yards.
“It might not always be aesthetically pleasing, and there are instances when you need to rely on your legs,” he commented.
Prior to his time at Ohio State, Howard spent his first four years at Kansas State, where he faced injuries and competed for the starting quarterback position in 2022. His chance to step up came when the starting quarterback was injured, enabling him to lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship. He earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2023, which caught Coach Day’s attention, leading him to recruit Howard from the transfer portal.
Playing alongside some of the nation’s most skilled offensive players provided Howard with the opportunity to enhance his game, positioning him as a prospective middle- to late-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
“I recognized his football intelligence,” Day noted. “Watching him play at Kansas State, winning championships, achieving significant victories, and making an impact both with his legs and accurate throws—a combination that is hard to come by.”
Looking back, Howard views joining Ohio State as a transformative decision.
“Reflecting on my journey is surreal—starting as a freshman at Kansas State with little understanding of the game, then finding myself in my junior year, not anticipating my role would change, and ultimately winning a Big 12 championship. I am immensely grateful for the chance to be a Buckeye, even if it was only for one year.”
