Will Howard’s strong showing in the national championship game against Notre Dame made it clear that he is a quarterback who thrives under pressure. With support from his offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs, Howard led Ohio State to a victory.
His performance in the championship game raised important questions: Will Howard’s stock rise in the pre-draft process, and can he stand out from his talented supporting cast?
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Will Howard’s Performance in the National Championship
In the national championship, Howard didn’t need to carry the entire load on his own. In the postgame interview, Howard said:
“Coming into this season, you know, I think something that Coach (Ryan) Day and Coach (Chip) Kelly really emphasized to me was completions.”
His focus was on making simple plays and keeping the ball moving. He acknowledged there were moments when he had to check the ball down or make adjustments, but ultimately, his goal was to stay on schedule and avoid mistakes.
Howard’s stats for the game were impressive: 17 completions on 21 attempts for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His performance in the national championship certainly put him on the map as a top QB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, the question now is whether Howard can separate himself from the players around him who also contributed to his success. Day has seen Howard’s potential since he arrived at Ohio State, and his performance in the championship game proved just how valuable he is to the team.
MORE: Will Howard Declares Ohio State’s WRs the Best in the Nation
Day spoke highly of Howard’s leadership and contributions, saying:
“It’s unbelievable, the leadership that we have with just the resilience this team has shown all year.”
While the contributions from the RBs and WRs were vital, Howard’s leadership in directing the offense was crucial. National championship games are high-stakes, and the intensity of the spotlight can be overwhelming for many players.
Howard’s Dual-Threat Ability on the Gridiron
Howard, however, showed a level of poise that allowed him to remain composed throughout the game. After the win, he said:
“The lights are bright. It’s a spectacle. And the TV timeouts are like four minutes long and it feels like everything is kind of a show a little bit. But you have to block all that out.”
Howard’s performance wasn’t the only factor that led Ohio State to success. The running backs, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, also played key roles in the offense. Judkins rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, while Henderson added 49 yards on 12 carries.
While Howard’s passing abilities were important, his ability to make plays with his legs was another factor that helped Ohio State win the national championship. He finished the game with 16 carries for 57 yards.
By adding the threat of the run to his game, Howard made it difficult for defenders to key in on his passing. His rushing ability wasn’t a game-changer, but it played an important role in keeping Notre Dame’s defense, preventing them from focusing on his arm strength.
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