Will Howard Explains Biggest Difference Between Ohio State And Kansas State

The Ohio State Buckeyes saw starting quarterback Kyle McCord transfer to the Syracuse Orange after recording 3,170 passing yards and 24 touchdowns last season. Ohio State then went to the portal and added veteran QB Will Howard from the Kansas State Wildcats.

Going from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbus, Ohio, is a significant change. On Tuesday after practice, a reporter asked Howard what the most significant difference was between the two programs. Howard replied that he did not have to be a hero at Ohio State.

"I think the one thing I would say is that I don’t feel like I have to be a hero here,” Howard said. "And I feel like I have the guys around me to where I just need to facilitate and just get them the ball and make good decisions. At the end of the day, I don’t have to go out there and do anything superhuman. I just have to be myself and trust the guys around me."

Howard has an embarrassment of riches in Columbus with his new team. The Buckeyes added former Ole Miss Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins from the portal this offseason. Judkins had 2,725 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns in Oxford from 2022-23.

The Buckeyes also added some wide receiver talent from the 2024 class, such as former five-star recruit Jeremiah Smith and former four-star recruit Mylan Graham . Ohio State returns receivers Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss.

Howard's primary target at Kansas State last season was tight end Ben Sinnott, who led the team with 676 receiving yards. The wide receiver with the most receiving yards at Kansas State last season was Phillip Brooks, with 589.

It will be interesting to see how Howard performs with a better supporting cast around him at Ohio State. The Buckeyes open the year with the Akron Zips on Aug. 31.

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