Transfer Will Howard named starting QB at Ohio State

Transfer quarterback Will Howard has won the starting job at Ohio State.

"We're really excited about Will. He has really taken command of the offense," Buckeyes coach Ryan Day told reporters Thursday.

Howard beat out Devin Brown, a four-star quarterback in the 2022 class who last season lost the competition in camp to Kyle McCord. Howard will be entrusted to run the offense of new coordinator Chip Kelly.

McCord transferred to Syracuse after the 2023 regular season, giving Howard an opening as he sought to transfer from Kansas State. Brown starts the 2024 season as the No. 2 quarterback, with second-year QB Lincoln Kienholz and first-year players Julian Sayin and Air Noland -- a pair of Top 10 quarterbacks in the 2024 class -- also on the roster.

The Buckeyes, ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll, open the season Aug. 31 against Akron, followed by home games against Western Michigan and Marshall before beginning the Big Ten slate on Sept. 21 at Michigan State.

Howard brings a veteran presence to the job after spending four seasons with the Wildcats and setting the school record with 48 career passing touchdowns. In 2023, he tied the school single-season record of 24 TDs set by Ell Roberson in 2003.

With Howard at the helm, Kansas State went 9-4 in 2023. He threw 15 TD passes in his final six games and posted a four-TD performance against Texas.

Howard helped guide Kansas State to a memorable 31-28 overtime upset of TCU in the 2022 Big 12 championship game.

He passed for 5,786 yards and threw 25 interceptions in 34 games (27 starts) for the Wildcats. He also rushed for 19 touchdowns.

--Field Level Media