5-star quarterback Will Howard (6 ft 4 in, 236 lbs) has decommitted from the Ohio State and chosen the Clemson Tigers over the Bulldogs and Florida Gators

The world of college football recruiting has been sent into a frenzy with the announcement of Will Howard, a 5-star quarterback, decommitting from Ohio State and choosing to play for the Clemson Tigers. Standing at 6 ft 4 in and weighing 236 lbs, Howard is regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, a player whose combination of size, arm strength, mobility, and football IQ has made him a coveted recruit for many of the top programs across the country.

Howard’s decision to commit to Clemson, especially after initially pledging to Ohio State, is a major win for head coach Dabo Swinney and the Tigers’ football program. The quarterback, who was once considered one of the most prized recruits of the 2026 class, had a difficult decision to make, with heavy recruiting pressure coming from programs like the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators, who have both developed reputations for churning out NFL-caliber quarterbacks in recent years.

For Clemson, Howard’s commitment represents a massive step forward in continuing to build on its already impressive football dynasty. The Tigers, who have consistently been among the top programs in the country, now add one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory to their roster. Howard’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications not only for Clemson but for the recruiting landscape as a whole.

The Recruitment Journey of Will Howard

Will Howard’s recruitment has been one of the most talked-about stories in college football. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Howard developed a reputation early in his high school career as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. A star at St. Louis High School, Howard quickly showcased his potential with his powerful arm and poise in the pocket. He led his team to several state championships and earned multiple awards for his performance, solidifying his status as a 5-star prospect by the time he entered his junior year.

From the start, Howard was the focal point of college recruiters from around the nation. His blend of size and athleticism was hard to ignore. His arm strength and ability to throw deep passes with accuracy made him a natural fit for programs that thrived in a vertical passing offense. However, it wasn’t just his physical traits that made Howard so special. His leadership on the field, his work ethic off it, and his ability to read defenses quickly set him apart from many of his peers.

As his recruitment progressed, Howard was pursued by some of the most prestigious college programs in the country, including Ohio State, Georgia, Florida, and Clemson. Each of these schools saw Howard as a centerpiece for their future offenses and recruited him heavily. Ultimately, Howard had to make the incredibly difficult decision of where he would spend the next few years of his life, developing as a player and as a person.

The Initial Commitment to Ohio State

In the summer of 2024, Howard made a highly anticipated commitment to Ohio State. The Buckeyes, who have consistently been one of the top programs in the country, seemed like a perfect fit for Howard. With a long history of developing elite quarterbacks, including players like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State appeared to be a natural destination for the young signal-caller.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had been a major factor in Howard’s initial commitment, with Day’s offensive schemes, which emphasize the quarterback’s ability to make quick, accurate throws and create plays in a high-tempo environment, appealing to Howard’s strengths. Day and the coaching staff at Ohio State painted a picture of a high-powered offense, one that would allow Howard to showcase his abilities on the national stage.

However, despite the excitement surrounding his commitment to Ohio State, there was always a lingering sense of uncertainty. Howard had developed relationships with other programs, and the pressure from these schools only grew as time went on. As the 2025 recruiting cycle approached, many experts began speculating that Howard’s commitment to Ohio State might not be as firm as it appeared.

Clemson Enters the Picture

Clemson had long been a contender for Howard’s services, but it wasn’t until the spring of 2025 that they became a true force in his recruitment. Coach Dabo Swinney, known for his ability to recruit elite talent and develop players into NFL-caliber athletes, recognized the opportunity to land one of the nation’s top quarterbacks and immediately ramped up efforts to make Howard a Tiger. Swinney had already led Clemson to multiple national championships and a consistently elite level of play in the ACC. With quarterback play being one of the most crucial components of success in today’s college football landscape, Swinney saw Howard as the key to continuing that dominance for years to come.

What separated Clemson from the other schools was the culture that Swinney and his coaching staff had built in the program. Clemson has developed a reputation for being a family-oriented, high-character program that focuses not only on football but also on the personal development of its players. Swinney’s emphasis on faith, family, and academics resonated with Howard and his family, who were seeking more than just a football program but a place where their son could grow as a person.

Clemson’s success in recruiting quarterbacks also played a role in Howard’s decision. The program had produced several high-level quarterbacks in recent years, including Deshaun Watson, who led the Tigers to a national title, and Trevor Lawrence, who was the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This history of success in developing quarterbacks made Clemson an attractive option for Howard, who wanted to play for a program that had a track record of preparing quarterbacks for the next level.

The Final Decision: Clemson Over Georgia and Florida

Ultimately, Will Howard chose Clemson over the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators, two powerhouse programs that had been aggressively recruiting him throughout the process. Georgia, with its reputation for producing elite quarterbacks such as Matthew Stafford and recent star Jake Fromm, offered Howard the chance to play in a pro-style offense that had helped lead the Bulldogs to a national title. Meanwhile, Florida, under head coach Billy Napier, offered a dynamic offense and a chance to be part of a team that was on the rise in the SEC.

However, Howard’s final decision came down to Clemson’s unique combination of coaching, culture, and development opportunities. After visiting the campus, meeting with Swinney and his staff, and spending time with current players, Howard felt that Clemson was the perfect place for him to continue his development both on and off the field. The Tigers’ ability to combine high-level football with a family-like atmosphere ultimately convinced Howard that this was the best place for him.

“It was a tough decision, but at the end of the day, Clemson felt like home,” Howard said during his announcement. “The culture here is something I can get behind. Coach Swinney and his staff care about more than just football; they care about me as a person, and that’s important. I want to be part of something special, and I believe Clemson can help me get to where I want to go.”

The Impact of Howard’s Commitment to Clemson

Howard’s commitment to Clemson has significant implications for both the Tigers and the broader college football landscape. For Clemson, landing a 5-star quarterback like Howard is a game-changer. The program has been one of the most successful in the nation over the past decade, but the addition of a quarterback of Howard’s caliber elevates Clemson’s future prospects even further.

Quarterback play has always been a key component of Clemson’s success. Under Dabo Swinney, the Tigers have had some of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, from Deshaun Watson to Trevor Lawrence. Howard, with his combination of size, arm strength, and leadership, fits perfectly into that legacy. His arrival ensures that Clemson will continue to be a contender for national championships for years to come.

For Howard, Clemson represents an opportunity to grow in a program that prioritizes player development. With Swinney’s track record of developing top-tier quarterbacks and an offense designed to highlight his strengths, Howard is set up for success at the collegiate level. He also has the chance to step into a program with a championship pedigree, learning from some of the best in the business as he prepares for a future in the NFL.

Additionally, Howard’s commitment to Clemson is a huge win for the ACC and for the Tigers’ recruiting efforts. As one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, Howard’s decision to commit to Clemson will likely attract more high-level recruits to the program. The ripple effect of Howard’s decision will be felt across the recruiting landscape, as other top players will take notice of Clemson’s continued success in landing elite talent.

Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State and choose the Clemson Tigers is a watershed moment for the program and college football. Howard’s rare combination of physical talent and mental acumen makes him one of the most highly anticipated quarterback recruits in years, and his choice to play for Clemson signals the continued success and dominance of the Tigers under Dabo Swinney.

For Howard, this decision marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football journey, one that will see him develop into one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. For Clemson, it represents the opportunity to continue building on a championship tradition that has already produced some of the best quarterbacks in the game.

As the Tigers look toward the future, Howard’s commitment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recruiting and developing top-tier talent. His arrival at Clemson ensures that the program will remain at the pinnacle of college football for years to come.