Former Kansas State QB projected as first-round pick in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Next year’s NFL Draft promises to be unlike any the league has ever seen because of the location, with hundreds of thousands of fans flocking to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to take part.

A former Kansas State quarterback could be in the middle of it all.

Bleacher Report’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft has the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Ohio State quarterback Will Howard at No. 21 overall after Howard transferred to play for the Buckeyes after going 15-12 as the starter for Kansas State over the last four seasons, including helping lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship in 2022.

From Bleacher Report: “Will Howard isn't a name brought up with next year's top quarterback prospects. But he has a legitimate chance to be a top option.Howard transferred from the conservative, run-driven Kansas State offense to Ohio State's high-octane scheme. Furthermore, Howard is a sturdy 6'4", 237-pound quarterback, with good mobility to contribute in both phases of the game. Last season, league coaches named him second-team All-Big 12 after he posted 2,994 yards from scrimmage and 33 total touchdowns. Considering the awesome surrounding cast that Ohio State currently features, Howard can post monster numbers and skyrocket up draft boards.

Howard threw for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while rushing for 351 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. With prized recruit Avery Johnson waiting in the wings, Howard was deemed expendable and landed an NIL deal worth almost $1 million from the Buckeyes.