Ground Breaking: 5-Star QB Will Howard to Shock College Football, Flip from Ohio State to Indiana Hoosiers Due to a Devastating Twist
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, 5-star quarterback Will Howard is reportedly considering flipping his commitment from powerhouse Ohio State to the unheralded Indiana Hoosiers. This potential flip is not only unexpected—it could be one of the most dramatic recruiting stories in recent memory. A once-in-a-generation quarterback, Howard’s change of heart appears to be driven by a sudden and devastating turn of events within the Ohio State program.
Howard, the top-ranked quarterback in his class, had long been considered a lock for Ohio State. With his strong arm, elite decision-making, and commanding pocket presence, many saw him as the natural successor to the Buckeyes’ storied lineage of elite QBs. The announcement of his commitment to Ohio State earlier this year had fans buzzing and the national media labeling the Buckeyes’ 2025 class as potentially historic.
However, in the past week, rumors began to swirl that something had shifted behind the scenes. Sources close to the situation have cited a “devastating internal shake-up” within the Ohio State coaching staff as the catalyst for Howard’s change of heart. Though details remain unconfirmed, speculation points to the unexpected resignation of Ohio State offensive coordinator and QB guru, Brian Hartline, following allegations of NCAA violations and potential suspension. Hartline played a crucial role in recruiting Howard and was instrumental in building trust with the young QB and his family.
Without Hartline, Howard reportedly feels uncertain about the future of Ohio State’s offense and the developmental path he once believed was guaranteed. In stark contrast, Indiana University has quietly assembled a compelling case under the leadership of new head coach and former NFL offensive coordinator Marcus Briley. Known for his innovative schemes and quarterback-friendly systems, Briley has brought a renewed energy to the Hoosiers’ program, drawing attention from recruits who previously wouldn’t have given Indiana a second thought.
For Howard, the appeal lies not just in immediate playing time—which is almost certain at Indiana—but also in the opportunity to be the face of a rebuilding program. With the Big Ten expanding and evolving, there’s a growing belief that a school like Indiana could rise with the right leadership and star power. Being that cornerstone figure is an enticing proposition for a player of Howard’s caliber.
If the flip happens, it would be nothing short of historic. Rarely does a 5-star quarterback leave a national title contender for a team that hasn’t been in serious playoff conversations in decades. For Indiana, this would signal a new era; for Ohio State, a stinging loss; and for college football, a reminder that the landscape is shifting—driven by coaching stability, personal development paths, and the lure of building something new from the ground up.
Whether or not the flip becomes official, the story of Will Howard’s recruitment will be remembered as a defining moment in this recruiting cycle. Stay tuned.