Tag: Will Howard

Jul 24, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Report: Steelers QB Will Howard breaks finger, could miss preseason

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard broke the pinky finger on his throwing hand and is out indefinitely, The Athletic reported.

The rookie left practice early Tuesday after suffering the right-hand injury, which is believed to have occurred as he took the ball from the center at training camp in Latrobe, Pa.

NFL Network said Howard was having additional tests but would miss at least three weeks.

That timeline would knock Howard out of preseason games, where he had hoped to compete with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson for the backup job to Aaron Rodgers.

Now, his preseason learning is likely to come by watching veterans Rodgers and Rudolph and not through getting preseason reps. Howard, 23, was expected to get a long look in the preseason opener on Saturday in Jacksonville.

Pittsburgh selected Howard in the sixth round of April’s NFL draft out of Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes to a national championship in his lone season at the school.

In four seasons at Kansas State and one at Ohio State, Howard threw for 9,796 yards, 83 touchdowns and 35 interceptions, including 4,010 yards, 35 TDs and 10 picks in 16 games last year.

–Field Level Media

Jul 24, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers rookie QB Will Howard hurts throwing hand at practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard left practice on Tuesday with a finger injury on his right (throwing) hand.

Steelers beat reporter Mark Kaboly said Howard gave a thumbs up as he left the practice field and the injury isn’t expected to be serious.

Pittsburgh drafted Howard in the sixth round of April’s NFL draft out of Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes to a national championship in his lone season at the school.

In four seasons at Kansas State and one at Ohio State, Howard threw for 9,796 yards, 83 touchdowns and 35 interceptions, including 4,010 yards, 35 TDs and 10 picks in 16 games last year.

Howard is competing with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson for a backup QB spot behind Aaron Rodgers.

–Field Level Media

Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers on 2025 season: ‘Pretty sure this is it’

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It looks like Aaron Rodgers will be one and done in Pittsburgh.

Earlier this month, the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player signed a one-year contract to quarterback the Steelers in 2025. And he expects this season to be the last of his career, he said Tuesday in his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers told McAfee. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal.”

His $13.65 million contract with the Steelers includes $10 million in guarantees but also nearly $6 million in incentives that could push the total value to $19.5 million.

Rodgers will be playing in his 21st season with his third team, following the Green Bay Packers (2005-22) and New York Jets (2023-24).

Rodgers, 41, wants to help the Steelers on the field, but he told McAfee he also is committed to helping other quarterbacks on the roster, especially rookie Will Howard. The two started to develop a relationship during minicamp.

“I pulled him aside during one of the days and said, ‘Listen, I want to help you as much as possible. But I’m not going to overstep my bounds. if you want assistance, I’m here, buddy.”

Rodgers made it clear he sees potential in Howard, who led Ohio State to the 2024 national championship but fell to Pittsburgh in the sixth round of the draft in April.

“I was impressed by him. I thought he looked really sharp,” Rodgers said. “He made a bunch of great throws. I think there’s definitely some things I can help him with.”

The Jets, choosing a different direction under new head coach Aaron Glenn, released Rodgers in March and signed former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields. The two teams will meet in Week 1 of the regular season — Sept. 7 in East Rutherford, N.J.

–Field Level Media

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) on the podium after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Will Howard shines in spotlight, carries Ohio State to title

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All Ohio State quarterback Will Howard ever wanted was a chance to show off his talents.

The spotlight was all his on Monday night.

Howard built off a record-breaking first half to complete 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns, lifting the Buckeyes to a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff title game in Atlanta.

It was after a 56-yard completion to Jeremiah Smith with 2:38 left in the game that reality seemed to set in for Howard, who took some time to showboat a bit by throwing his arms up while running downfield while Ohio State coach Ryan Day jumped for joy on the sideline and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James celebrated from box seats.

Such a moment was always the goal for Howard, a Kansas State transfer who had always dreamed of performing on college football’s biggest stage.

“If you were to ask a 19-year-old or 18-year-old Will Howard if he’d be at Ohio State playing in the national championship, I think he’d probably say, ‘You’re crazy, man,’” Howard said earlier this week.

Now, Howard is a champion, and teammates think that this is just the beginning for the 23-year-old.

“Just the type of quarterback he is, in my eyes he’s a first-round draft pick,” Smith said. “Will’s just a great leader — on and off the field.”

Howard made CFP championship game history by completing his first 13 passes on Monday, and he was 14-for-15 passing for 144 yards and two TDs before the break. Ohio State scored a touchdown on all three of its drives in the first 30 minutes of action to build a commanding 21-7 lead by intermission.

The Fighting Irish rallied but couldn’t find a way to get past Howard and the Buckeyes, with the Ohio State signal-caller being named Offensive MVP following the game.

“They’ve changed my life in more ways than I can say, man,” Howard told ESPN, referring to the impact that Day and his new teammates have had on him. “Coach Day and these guys here have completely, completely changed my life. … I can’t believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) runs the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Top 10 CFB Player Props For Rivalry Weekend

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It’s Saturday.

You have a big ol’ turkey sandwich in front of you.

You finished your Christmas shopping on Black Friday, and now you’re ready to win the money to pay for all those gifts by betting on a few college football player props from one of the many intense rivalry games on the schedule.

The million-dollar question is, of course, which ones do you bet on? To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of our 10 favorites for Rivalry Weekend.

Rivalry Weekend: CFB Player Props Odds via FanDuel unless otherwise stated:

–The Game: Michigan vs. Ohio State

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State, O/U 49.5 rushing yards at -114/-114

Michigan’s run defense is supposed to be decent, but it will be on the field so much that it won’t matter. The Wolverines’ defense might slow down Henderson in the first quarter/half, but it will tire out by the second half, and the run lanes will get nice and wide.

As a senior who has never beaten Michigan, Henderson will be motivated and could get more garbage time in the fourth quarter. Take the OVER.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State, O/U 251.5 passing yards at -114/-114

Howard has gone over 251.5 yards passing just once in his past five games (vs. Purdue). Last week, against Indiana, he only had 201 yards in a dominant Ohio State offensive performance. His total wasn’t that low because the Hoosiers defense was playing tough.

No, it was because the team didn’t need him to take to the air for prolonged drives. Four of the Buckeyes’ six scoring drives were shorter than 50 yards. A similar scenario could present itself this weekend. Take the UNDER.

–Palmetto Bowl: South Carolina vs. Clemson
Lanorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, O/U 198.5 passing yards at -114/-114

Sellers had some struggles during the first month of the season, which is not unusual for a freshman quarterback. But when South Carolina played Alabama, things started to click. Since then, including the Alabama game, he has thrown for more than 198.5 yards in five of his past six.

Clemson’s pass defense is good but not great. It might slow Sellers down at first, but not for the entire game. He’ll clear 200 yards passing before the fourth quarter. Take the OVER.

Lanorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, O/U 37.5 rushing yards at -114/-114

As for his rushing total, Sellers went over 37.5 yards in his past four. A legitimate dual threat, he averages 14 carries per game this season. Clemson allows 4.57 yards per carry, so as long as he gets nine carries and takes what the Tigers allow, he’ll have a nice day on the ground.

Take the OVER.

Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson, O/U 96.5 rushing yards at -114/-114

Mafah has been a workhorse for Clemson this year in the backfield, running for 100-plus yards in six of his first nine games. He struggled against Pitt, gaining just 17 yards on 17 carries. He’ll likely get around 20 carries, and if he can match his season average (5.6 yards per carry), he’ll easily go OVER his total.

But the South Carolina run defense is pretty strong against the run (No. 12 in the country, allowing just over 100 yards per game). Since he’ll get the bulk of touches in the backfield, he’ll have a shot at going over the total. But the day will belong to South Carolina. Take the UNDER.

–Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh: Southern California vs. Notre Dame
Jayden Maiava, QB, USC, O/U 235.5 passing yards

Maiava has done a solid job in his two starts since taking over as QB1 for the Trojans, throwing for 259 yards and three touchdowns (and an interception) in one game and 221 yards and a touchdown in the other. But neither Nebraska nor UCLA have a strong pass defense.

Notre Dame has the No 1 pass defense in the country. Take the UNDER.

–Lonestar Showdown: Texas vs. Texas A&M
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M, O/U 180.5 passing yard at -114/-114

On paper, it doesn’t look like Texas A&M will move the ball at all, with Texas having the No. 2 pass defense and No. 13 run defense. But the Longhorns played the easiest schedule in the SEC, so you have to take those numbers with a grain of salt.

Since taking over as QB1 for the Aggies, Marcel Reed has been electric. He is a dual threat with a strong arm and quick feet. In his past three games, vs. South Carolina, New Mexico State and Auburn, Reed has passed for over 200 yards in each.

Texas might slow him down, but the Longhorns will not contain him for the whole game. Take the OVER.

Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M, O/U .5 passing touchdowns at -220/+162

If you think Texas will dominate this game, then take the UNDER. However, if you believe the Aggies will be competitive in this game, then take the OVER. We’re taking the OVER.

Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas, O/U 45.5 rushing yards -114/-114

The Texas A&M defense is good on paper, but the numbers are a little misleading. Often, the Aggies’ defense gets gashed by the running game in the first half and helps the opposing team get out to a nice lead. But then it makes some adjustments at halftime and controls the line of scrimmage in the second half.

Blue is good enough to go for 45 yards in the first half, even if he ends up splitting carries with Quintrevion Wisner. If he doesn’t, he’ll get close and then finish the job in the second half.

–Field Level Media

Mar 4, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown speaks to media at the start of spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Devin Brown, Will Howard ready for QB competition at Ohio State

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Ohio State’s Devin Brown had a strong message Monday for people who think he’s intimidated by a tough quarterback room this spring.

Bottom line: He isn’t transferring.

“I’ve said it through and through. I’m a Buckeye, and I’m here to compete, no matter what,” he told reporters in Columbus, Ohio, the day before spring practices begin.

“Honestly,” he continued, “I think people are cowards. I think people have this thought in their own heads that I’m gonna leave and I’m a quitter, but that’s never been me. These people live wherever, in their mom’s basement, saying stuff about me and they don’t know (expletive). Excuse my language, but they don’t know anything. They don’t know why I am. They don’t know who I’ve been, and that’s always who I’ve been.”

Brown, a redshirt sophomore, lost the starting job to Kyle McCord before the 2023 season, but when McCord announced his transfer at the end of the regular season, Brown was given the starting assignment in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri.

But Brown left the game in the second quarter of the 14-3 loss with an ankle injury, with freshman Lincoln Kienholz taking over.

Since then, the Buckeyes have brought Kansas State graduate transfer Will Howard and 2024 blue-chip recruits Julian Sayin and Air Noland in to compete with Brown and Kienholz. They will be trying to impress head coach Ryan Day and Chip Kelly, the new offensive coordinator.

Howard, who started 27 games at Kansas State, has one year of eligibility left. And he sounded confident when he addressed reporters Monday.

“I didn’t come here to be nervous or to be timid or anything like that,” Howard said. “I’m ready to go, and the fact of the matter is you know it might not all be perfect. I might make a few mistakes but that’s how I’m going to learn and that’s how we’re going to learn as a team.

“Nothing’s too big for me. Nothing’s too big for this team. Spring ball, it’s going to be a lot of learning across the board but I’m excited for that. I want to embrace that.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 25, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrates a touchdown in the third quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Ohio State lands K-State QB Will Howard

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Will Howard is Ohio State’s solution at quarterback.

The prolific Kansas State veteran is transferring to the Buckeyes, ESPN and On3 reported Thursday.

Howard was a popular target in the transfer portal, with Southern California and Miami also wooing him. It was reported earlier in the week that Howard would visit the Buckeyes’ campus in Columbus, Ohio.

Howard spent four seasons with the Wildcats and holds 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.

“When I started talking to Ohio State, everything kind of lined up,” Howard told ESPN. “I had a list of things I was looking for, in terms of needing to go somewhere where there was a lot of talent around me and … compete for a national championship.”

Last year’s starting quarterback, Kyle McCord, transferred from Ohio State to Syracuse following the 2023 regular season.

Quarterbacks Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz completed 10 of 23 pass attempts for 106 yards as stand-ins during a 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

With Howard at the helm, Kansas State went 8-4 in 2023. He threw 15 TD passes in his final six games and posted a four-TD performance against Texas. Howard also had a big game against the same Mizzou team that manhandled Ohio State in the bowl game (270 yards, three TD passes in a 30-27 loss in September).

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

Nov 25, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Will Howard (18) calls a play during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Ohio State joins pursuit of K-State QB Will Howard

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Ohio State plans to host Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, who has also received interest from Southern California and Miami in the transfer portal.

According to multiple reports, Howard’s visit is expected to take place before Monday’s national championship game. Howard was also considering the 2024 NFL Draft as of the end of the 2023 regular season.

Ohio State starting quarterback Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse following the 2023 regular season.

Quarterbacks Devin Brown and Luke Kieholz completed 10 of 23 pass attempts for 106 yards as stand-ins during a 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

With Howard at the helm, Kansas State went 8-4 in 2023. He threw 15 TD passes in his final six games and posted a four-TD performance against Texas. Howard also had a big game against the same Mizzou team that manhandled Ohio State in the bowl game (270 yards, three TD passes in a 30-27 loss in September).

Howard spent four seasons with the Wildcats and holds the school record with 48 career passing touchdowns. He tied the school single-season record of 24 TDs set by Ell Roberson in 2003.

Howard helped guide Kansas State to a memorable 31-28 overtime upset of TCU in the 2022 Big 12 championship game. The victory put the Wildcats in the Sugar Bowl, where they lost 45-20 to Alabama. Kansas State finished 10-4 in 2022.

Howard 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