Report: Kansas State Wildcats QB Will Howard To Visit Ohio State Buckeyes

Howard led the Wildcats to their first conference title win since 2003 last season.

It was clear following Friday's 14-3 loss in the Cotton Bowl that Ohio State would be in the market for a transfer portal quarterback. 

One will soon be on campus and could commit on the spot. 

According to reports, the Buckeyes are set to host former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard in the coming days. He is reportedly also considering entering the NFL draft after visiting both Miami and Southern California.

Howard, a former three-star passer, helped lead K-State to its first Big 12 title since 2003 in 2022 after defeating then-undefeated TCU. In four seasons with the Wildcats, Howard threw for 5,786 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

Mobility has been Howard's best attribute as his ability to manipulate defensive lines gives his offense a second chance. Howard accumulated 372 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons with the Wildcats. 

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Last season, Howard led Kansas State to a 9-4 record. He completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Nine of his 19 career rushing touchdowns came during his 12-game span as the starter. 

Howard elected to opt out of the Pop-Tarts Bowl to enter the portal, thus opening the door for Avery Johnson to start. Since then, he's mulled over his options while meeting with different universities.

Ohio State, for now, is expected to be his last stop before a decision is made. The Buckeyes, who lost Kyle McCord to Syracuse following the regular-season finale loss against Michigan, turned to Devin Brown as the starter against No. 9 Missouri. 

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Brown could be a viable option in the future, but the injury concern does bring a sense of urgency to add a QB via the portal. Brown left with a high ankle sprain during the second quarter and did not return. Freshman Lincoln Kienholz threw for 86 yards and was credited with a fumble. 

The Buckeyes, who finished the season 11-2, look to rebound entering 2024 without several star talents. The best way to secure the victory? Stability at quarterback. Heading into the new calendar year, Howard might be the only option left on the market.