Breaking News: Ohio State QB Will Howard Reverses Commitment, Chooses Alabama Over Michigan, Tennessee, and Other Schools
In a stunning turn of events, highly touted quarterback Will Howard has reversed his commitment to Ohio State and has instead pledged to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide. This major shift in Howard’s recruitment sends shockwaves through the college football landscape, especially given the fierce competition for his services, with Michigan, Tennessee, and several other top-tier programs also vying for his commitment.
The Recruitment Journey
Will Howard, a five-star quarterback prospect from the class of 2025, had long been considered one of the most sought-after players in the nation. Initially, he had committed to Ohio State, a program renowned for its powerhouse offense and elite quarterback play. However, Howard’s recruitment was far from over, with multiple other schools continuing to pursue him aggressively.
The Michigan Wolverines, who have made major strides in recent years under head coach Jim Harbaugh, were particularly keen on landing Howard. Similarly, Tennessee, led by Josh Heupel, was another strong contender, given their high-octane offense that has proven successful with quarterbacks who have strong arm talent.
Despite his commitment to Ohio State, Howard continued to take visits and entertain other programs, signaling that he might not be fully set on the Buckeyes. It became clear that Alabama, with its rich football tradition and recent success under head coach Nick Saban, was a major player in the race. Known for developing quarterbacks who excel at the next level, Alabama’s program was an attractive option for Howard, who is determined to play at the highest level of college football.
Why Alabama?
The Crimson Tide’s reputation for producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, such as Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young, undoubtedly played a major role in Howard’s decision. Howard, who has been described as having the ideal combination of size, arm strength, and mobility, fits perfectly into Alabama’s offensive system, which has evolved into a more dynamic and pass-heavy attack in recent years.
Furthermore, Alabama’s consistent dominance in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in college football, offers Howard a chance to compete at the highest level and earn a spot on the national stage. The allure of playing for a program that has claimed multiple national championships under Saban is a significant factor for any elite recruit, and Howard is no exception.
In his announcement, Howard spoke about the family atmosphere at Alabama and the relationship he developed with the coaching staff, particularly with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. Rees, who joined Alabama from Notre Dame, has quickly established himself as one of the top offensive minds in college football, and his system is expected to provide Howard with the platform he needs to thrive.
Implications for Ohio State and Other Schools
Ohio State, which had been the favorite in the Howard recruitment, now faces a major setback. The Buckeyes’ quarterback room, while still filled with talent, will need to regroup as they look to land another top-tier quarterback in the 2025 class. The loss of Howard stings for a program that has been a consistent quarterback factory, sending numerous players to the NFL, including current quarterbacks C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields.
Michigan and Tennessee, while disappointed, now shift their focus to other quarterback prospects. Both programs are still in strong positions to land elite talent in the coming months, but losing out on Howard represents a missed opportunity to solidify their quarterback rooms for the future.
What’s Next for Howard?
As Howard officially joins Alabama’s recruiting class, the focus will now turn to his development. With a few more years of high school left, Howard will be under even more scrutiny as he looks to refine his skills before heading to Tuscaloosa. His commitment also shifts the spotlight to Alabama’s quarterback battle in the coming seasons, with Howard’s arrival adding even more talent to an already crowded position.
In the end, Will Howard’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Alabama is a game-changer in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and it will likely have ripple effects for years to come.
