Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day announced on Thursday that Will Howard will be the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes in the upcoming 2024 season. Day praised Howard's recent performance during practice, highlighting his command of the offense and his ability to threaten defenses both through the air and on the ground.

The decision comes as no surprise, as Howard, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Kansas State, has showcased his talents throughout fall camp. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 237 pounds, he brings a wealth of experience to the field. During his time with the Wildcats, Howard threw for 5,786 yards, with a completion percentage of 58.8%, while recording 48 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He also proved to be a formidable threat on the ground, accumulating 921 rushing yards and scoring 19 touchdowns.

Last season in 2023, Howard had a standout year at Kansas State, throwing for 2,643 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also showcased his rushing abilities, tallying 351 yards and nine rushing touchdowns.

Howard competed against third-year sophomore Devin Brown for the starting quarterback position, ultimately beating him out for the job. Brown and true freshman Julian Sayin will serve as the primary backups to Howard, with Brown likely assuming the role of the No. 2 quarterback at the start of the season. However, Coach Day acknowledged that Sayin is also in contention for the backup position, highlighting the young quarterback's talent and potential.

Howard's selection as the starting quarterback aligns with Coach Day's previous comments about his command of the offense. With his experience and leadership, Howard is expected to elevate the Buckeyes' offensive performance. The team boasts an impressive array of weapons at wide receiver, including Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss. In addition, the Buckeyes possess a formidable running back duo in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, making Ohio State's offense a formidable force to reckon with.

Speaking about Howard, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka emphasized his leadership and confidence on the field, naming him a "field general" and expressing his belief that Howard's presence would allow the offense to excel.

Furthermore, Howard's running ability adds an extra dimension to Ohio State's offense. While the team will not heavily rely on quarterback runs, it is expected to be a minor component, helping the Buckeyes convert short-yardage situations and keep defenses honest.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are set to open their season on August 31 against Akron. With Will Howard as their starting quarterback, the team is poised for a successful 2024 campaign under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan Day and Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly.

As the Will Howard era begins, Ohio State fans eagerly await the season's kickoff and the high-flying, high-scoring offense that lies ahead.