When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft, they added a seasoned quarterback. Howard played five years of college football, experiencing different highs and lows. He thinks these highs and lows have seasoned him for the NFL and he’s ready to make that next step.
“I think I learned a lot throughout my college career,” Howard said in a transcript provided by the Steelers. “I’ve been through a lot of different situations. I’ve pretty much seen every situation that a college quarterback could see. I’ve transferred. I’ve been a backup. I’ve been benched. I’ve been a starter, like I’ve seen everything, and I’m seasoned. I’m ready. I think this year at Ohio State got me so ready for this step to the NFL. And I just, I’m just so thankful that that the Steelers believed in me, man. And all I need is a chance.”
Howard started his career with Kansas State where he struggled in his first two years, throwing for only 1,510 yards, nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions as he adjusted to the college game.
As a senior in 2023, Howard was benched. Being benched as a senior was likely devastating for Howard. He eventually got his job back later that season, but it was a tough pill to swallow. The experience, however, only helped him improve. He transferred to Ohio State and had an elite 2024 season, throwing for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as he led the Buckeyes to a National Championship and won the College Football Playoffs MVP award.
In Howard’s five years in college, he learned a lot. His setbacks made him a better player and he ended his collegiate career on a high note. Now, he wants to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback. As a sixth-round pick, that won’t be easy. But never say never. Even when times were tough, Howard used that adversity to improve his game.
Howard says all he needs is a chance, and with no long-term answer on the roster right, he could get that chance.
