Ryan Day names Week 1 starting quarterback at Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes announced on Thursday that Will Howard will be the team’s starting quarterback to begin the 2024 campaign.

Howard was long considered the heavy favorite, as the only one of five quarterbacks on the roster with starting experience at the high major level.

“We’re really excited about Will,” coach Ryan Day said in a statement released on social media. “He has really taken command of the offense.”

Howard spent the past three seasons in the Big 12 at Kansas State, leading the Wildcats to an upset victory over TCU in the conference championship in 2022.

All told the veteran has made 28 career starts, completing 59% of his passes for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions.

Howard beat out returners Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholtz for the job, as well as true freshmen Julian Sayin and Air Noland.

With Chip Kelly hired as offensive coordinator, this Buckeyes team is primed to take a leap offensively and Howard’s ability to tuck and run is a great fit for a Kelly-led offense.

The No. 2 ranked Buckeyes begin the season on August 31 against Akron.