Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard warms up for a game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesWill Howard will always be a fan favorite in Columbus for helping Ohio State win a nationals title. Now, the former Buckeye is taking a step he's never made in his young NFL career.
A couple of years ago the Ohio State football team had a big decision to make in the transfer portal with which quarterback was going to come in and replace Kyle McCord. Ohio State landed on former Kansas State QB Will Howard and the rest was history.
Howard spent four seasons at Kansas State, but didn't have any real draft potential. Howard turned himself into a draft pick with one season in Columbus. The 6-foot-4 quarterback was a sixth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers just a year ago. Now, Howard will gain some valuable experience in a first for his young career.
According to Ian Rapoport, Aaron Rodgers has not given the Pittsburgh Steelers word yet on whether or not he will return for another season. Rodgers isn't going to give the Steelers an answer before the draft.
Minicamp began on Monday for the Steelers and Howard was the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh.
The #Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on his future and there is no expectation of a final decision prior to the NFL Draft, per me and @TomPelissero.When minicamp begins today under new coach Mike McCarthy, Will Howard will be QB1. pic.twitter.com/niphLVfT3w
Howard was noted to have a strong training camp last year but he's never taken an NFL snap. The Steelers have veteran Mason Rudolph on the roster, but new head coach Mike McCarthy is going with the former Buckeye during minicamp this week as the starting QB for Pittsburgh.
In his only season at Ohio State in 2024, Howard completed 73 percent of his passes for 4,010 passing yards, 35 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The Pennsylvania native added 226 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground to help the Buckeyes win their first title in a decade.
Bucky Nation will be glad to see the news around Howard, who looks like he could be the starter for Pittsburgh in 2026 if Rogers decides to retire.