Kurt Warner has been studying this year’s NFL Draft quarterback hopefuls, including Ohio State’s Will Howard.
Howard, who led the Buckeyes to a national championship in his only season after transferring in from Kansas State, made headlines at last weekend’s NFL Scouting Combine, and not in a good way. Howard struggled at times during the event, particularly when throwing to receivers during the workout portion, leading some fans to declare he had one of the “worst” Combine. performances ever.
“I felt decent,” Howard said of his showing. “I’m my own biggest critic, so I feel like there were some things I could clean up. But overall, I think I showed that I can spin the ball with the best. And I felt good about it. And I think my footwork was pretty solid. And I’m excited for my pro day to show that I can spin it a little more.”
While the Combine may have left a sour taste in some people’s mouths about Howard, Warner said Thursday that the Downingtown, Pennsylvania native’s performance in the College Football Playoff was as good as anything he saw from any of the quarterbacks in this year’s class.
“Been watching the last 4 games for top NFL Draft QBs & Will Howard had the BEST 4 game stretch of any QB I’ve watched so far – and it really wasn’t even that close!! Great throws, consistent accuracy, downfield throws, good reads, multiple concepts, etc…” Warner wrote on X/Twitter.
In CFP wins over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame, Howard connected on 82-of-109 passes for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions.
He eclipsed the 300-yard mark in each of Ohio State’s first two playoff games and also added 95 rushing yards in the Buckeyes’ march to the title.
Those numbers, and Howard’s overall film, will try to offset the negative impact of his combine performance.
“I don’t understand y’all hating on Will Howard,” fellow 2025 NFL Draft quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders said this week.
“He just won a natty. It’s hard to throw to WR’s that you don’t know, everyone run routes different!”
Howard will look to impress scouts while throwing to more familiar receivers at Ohio State’s upcoming Pro Day.
The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26.
Related: Shedeur Sanders Makes Opinion On Ohio State QB Will Howard Clear