Former Kansas State QB named one of  top NFL prospects in Big Ten Conference

In a few years, when Will Howard and Avery Johnson are both in the NFL, we might look back on 2023 as the time when Kansas State had an embarrassment of riches at the quarterback position.

For Howard, playing on Sundays could be here pretty quickly. Bleacher Report listed the former Kansas State quarterback and current Ohio State starting quarterback as the Big Ten Conference’s top NFL prospect at his position.

Howard led Kansas State to a Big 12 title in 2022 and was an All-Big 12 pick in 2023 before transferring to Ohio State following the season for an NIL deal worth upwards of $1 million for one season. That Howard left speaks to the faith Kansas State has in Johnson, who showed flashes of brilliance as a true freshman in 2023, including being named MVP of the Pop-Tarts Bowl following the Wildcats’ 28-19 win over No. 19 North Carolina State.

From Bleacher Report: “After playing four seasons at Kansas State, Howard transferred to Ohio State and enters his first--and likely only--year going up against Big 10 competition. He proved to be a dual threat as a Wildcat, throwing for over 2,600 yards and 24 touchdowns last season while also picking up another 351 yards and 10 scores on the ground. The current Buckeye’s play-making ability is one of his biggest strengths.”

E-mail Tony Adame at tony.adame@tsn.com