Ohio State Quarterback Commit Will Howard Decommits and Flips to Miami Hurricanes
In an unexpected turn of events, Will Howard, a highly touted quarterback prospect from the class of 2025, has decommitted from Ohio State University and flipped his commitment to the University of Miami. This decision has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, as Howard’s decommitment represents a significant shift in the dynamics of college football recruiting, especially within the powerhouses of the Big Ten and the ACC.
The Rise of Will Howard
Will Howard had been committed to Ohio State since early 2024, when the Buckeyes were in need of a future star quarterback to lead their offense in the coming years. At 6’4″, 215 pounds, Howard has the prototypical size and physical traits that modern college programs crave in a quarterback. His arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket had earned him a reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, with several elite programs vying for his commitment. However, Howard’s connection to Ohio State was strong, with his commitment initially seen as a major win for the Buckeyes, a program that has historically produced NFL-caliber quarterbacks.
Despite this, the Miami Hurricanes were always lurking in the background as a potential suitor. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have been revitalizing their football program, focusing on recruiting top-tier talent from across the country. Cristobal’s ability to build relationships with high-profile recruits has made Miami an increasingly attractive destination for top-tier athletes, especially at positions like quarterback, where they have struggled to find consistency in recent years.
The Decommitment: A Shock to Buckeye Fans
Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State caught many by surprise. The Buckeyes have been one of the most dominant programs in college football, with a winning culture and a high-octane offense that regularly develops quarterbacks who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. Many believed that Howard’s decision to commit to Ohio State would be a long-term commitment, with the promise of a national championship contender waiting for him when he arrived in Columbus.
However, reports began to surface that Howard had been reassessing his future and considering other options. While Ohio State remained a strong program with top-tier coaches, Miami’s pitch resonated with Howard in ways Ohio State could not match. For Howard, the chance to play in a fast-paced offense under Cristobal, with an opportunity to lead the Hurricanes back to national prominence, may have been a more appealing option than remaining at Ohio State, where the quarterback competition is intense, and the road to starting may have been more challenging.
Why Miami?
The University of Miami has long been known for its storied football history, particularly during the 1980s and early 2000s when the Hurricanes were a dominant force in college football. While they’ve had their struggles in recent years, Cristobal’s leadership has begun to rebuild the program, and Miami’s recruiting efforts have seen significant improvements.
For Howard, Miami presents a unique opportunity. Cristobal’s coaching philosophy and offensive system likely align well with Howard’s skill set, allowing him to showcase his abilities on a national stage. Additionally, the Miami program has made significant strides in terms of facilities, player development, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, making it an appealing destination for top-tier recruits.
Miami also offers the allure of playing in the ACC, where the competition might be perceived as less fierce compared to the Big Ten. While programs like Clemson and Florida State are strong contenders in the ACC, the path to the top of the conference may feel more attainable for Howard, especially with a more balanced recruiting approach compared to Ohio State’s intense competition in the Big Ten.
The Aftermath and Impact on Ohio State
Ohio State will now need to regroup and search for its quarterback of the future. Losing a highly coveted recruit like Howard is a blow, but the Buckeyes are no strangers to adversity on the recruiting trail. With one of the best recruiting staffs in the country, they are likely to pivot quickly, focusing on other top quarterback prospects for their 2025 class.
For Miami, the commitment of Howard represents a huge win in Cristobal’s ongoing efforts to elevate the program. Landing a top-tier quarterback is often the catalyst for a program’s resurgence, and with Howard in the fold, Miami’s future at the quarterback position looks secure for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
Will Howard’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Miami is a major story in the world of college football recruiting. It highlights the increasing influence of the Miami Hurricanes under Mario Cristobal, as well as the unpredictable nature of recruitment in today’s competitive college football landscape. Both Ohio State and Miami will be looking to capitalize on this shift, with the Buckeyes working to find their next quarterback, while the Hurricanes look to build on their momentum and return to national relevance with Howard at the helm. The next few years will be critical for both programs, as they seek to capitalize on the shifting tides of college football recruiting.
