Will Howard’s departure from Kansas State to Ohio State raised eyebrows across the college football landscape. A multi-year starter for the Wildcats, Howard led the team to a Big 12 Championship in 2022 and remained a consistent presence under center. However, beneath the surface, growing tensions and shifting dynamics within the Kansas State program played a significant role in his decision to transfer.
One of the most pivotal factors was Kansas State’s growing interest in younger quarterbacks on the roster. Throughout the 2023 season, true freshman Avery Johnson began receiving increased attention from the coaching staff. Johnson’s dual-threat capabilities and explosive playstyle made him a fan favorite and a tantalizing option for the future. As the coaching staff began allocating more snaps to Johnson in key moments, it became clear the program was preparing to hand over the reins.
This shift in focus was not lost on Howard. Despite his experience and leadership, he found himself in a precarious position—no longer the unquestioned starter, but rather part of a potential quarterback controversy. The lack of clear communication from the coaching staff reportedly left Howard feeling sidelined and underappreciated after all he had done for the team. His role in leading Kansas State back to national relevance seemed to be quickly forgotten in the pursuit of developing a new star.
Additionally, Howard recognized that staying might limit his growth and exposure. By transferring to Ohio State, he joined a perennial national contender known for developing quarterbacks for the NFL. The Buckeyes presented a fresh opportunity—one with elite talent, coaching, and a clearer path to achieving his professional goals.
In the end, Kansas State’s internal shift toward the future, paired with a lack of commitment to Howard as the definitive starter, created an environment where he no longer felt valued. That environment, more than anything, pushed him to seek new opportunities—leading him to Columbus and the scarlet and gray of Ohio State.