With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away, all eyes are on the next wave of talent. One name at the center of all the attention is Will Howard, the quarterback who led Ohio State to a national title. His recent Pro Day performance has scouts talking. Head coach Ryan Day can’t stop praising as Howard’s stock rises.
Will Howard Shows His Fop Form At OSU’s Pro Day
Will Howard turned heads at Ohio State’s Pro Day on Wednesday. Ryan Day watched closely as the 6-foot-4, 236-pound quarterback showcased his skills. “I didn’t think Howard missed on a ball,” Day said with pride. The event gave all 32 NFL teams a front-row seat to Howard’s arm strength and athleticism.
Will Howard had a really good Pro Day.
Ryan Day said he didn’t think Howard missed on a ball.
Here are a few of those deep balls, not shown, Will playing air guitar after a pass: pic.twitter.com/IQtp1fTmkJ
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) March 26, 2025
Two years ago, C.J. Stroud impressed the coaches at his Pro Day, proving he belonged at the top of the draft. Howard’s path is different. He’s not a first-round lock like Stroud. Yet, his journey from Kansas State transfer to Ohio State’s clutch performer shows how fast things can change.
Last year, Kyle McCord left Columbus for Syracuse after a shaky 2023. Howard stepped in, facing early struggles. Some fans even missed McCord, who later broke ACC passing records. But Howard found his groove when it mattered most. In the Buckeyes’ final six games, including four playoff wins, he completed 77% of his passes. He racked up 1,351 yards, 10 touchdowns, and only three interceptions.
His size and toughness stood out among the rest. He made plays at pivotal moments. Critics note that although he had a stacked offense around him, Howard’s performance shone through. Plenty of quarterbacks crumble under such pressure, but Howard didn’t.
However, his Pro Day wasn’t flawless. The combine showed he’s still raw in some areas. Throwing to unfamiliar receivers didn’t help. Still, scouts saw what counted; the deep balls always landed on their target from his hand. He nails deep outs and corner routes with ease. His skills pop both inside and outside the pocket.
“He has what I call easy arm strength,” one of the evaluators noted, pointing to his NFL-ready frame. A year ago, Howard was a free agent afterthought. Now, he’s a near-certain top-100 pick. Some teams even rank him above Texas’ Quinn Ewers, a gifted but injury-prone prospect.
KEEP READING: Ryan Day Updates Ohio State QB Battle Between Julian Sayin and Co.
As April nears, Howard sits as QB5 in some draft boards, trailing Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Jalen Milroe. He’s ahead of Ewers and others like Tyler Shough. For Day, it’s no surprise. Howard’s late-season heroics and Pro Day showing have cemented his rise. NFL decision-makers won’t forget Ohio State’s championship run and Howard’s role in it.
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