What Shedeur Sanders Said in Defense of Ohio State Football’s Will Howard
In a surprising turn of events, Shedeur Sanders, the dynamic quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, recently stepped forward to defend Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, who has faced his fair share of criticism and scrutiny in the aftermath of Ohio State’s rollercoaster 2024 season. Sanders, who is no stranger to the spotlight and the pressure that comes with it, used his platform to address the often harsh criticism of Howard, offering a supportive perspective on the quarterback’s abilities and his role at Ohio State.
The exchange came after a series of performances by Howard, where some fans and analysts questioned his consistency, particularly following Ohio State’s loss to Michigan in the 2024 season finale, which again raised questions about the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation. While Howard, a highly-touted transfer from Kansas State, had shown flashes of potential, there was mounting pressure on him to lead Ohio State to a national championship, a burden that many felt was starting to take its toll. Sanders, however, offered a much-needed counterpoint, emphasizing the challenges of playing quarterback for a high-profile program like Ohio State.
The Criticism of Will Howard
Will Howard’s path to Ohio State wasn’t a typical one. Transferring from Kansas State, where he had spent several productive years leading the Wildcats’ offense, Howard was brought in to fill the void left by C.J. Stroud and to elevate the Buckeyes’ chances at another College Football Playoff appearance. His arrival at Ohio State came with high expectations—especially considering the program’s history of producing NFL-ready quarterbacks. But despite showcasing his arm talent, leadership, and maturity, Howard faced growing scrutiny throughout the 2024 season as he struggled to consistently find his rhythm.
Several games, including the loss to Michigan, saw Howard underperform in key moments, leading to some speculation about his ability to lead Ohio State to a championship. Despite being an experienced quarterback, the pressure of playing for a program with championship aspirations, combined with the intense fanbase and media coverage, seemed to create a storm of doubt around his abilities.
Shedeur Sanders’ Defense of Howard
In a recent interview, Shedeur Sanders was asked about the challenges of being a quarterback at a prestigious program, particularly when expectations are sky-high. Sanders, who has been in the spotlight himself as the starting quarterback at Colorado, was quick to offer support for Howard, citing the unfair nature of the criticism directed at the Ohio State signal-caller.
“Look, I get it. The expectations at a place like Ohio State are huge,” Sanders said. “But people don’t always understand the pressure that comes with being the quarterback of a team with national championship aspirations. You can’t just turn off the noise. Will Howard is a talented quarterback. He has all the tools. It’s just that sometimes, in big games, things don’t go your way.”
Sanders went on to explain that his own experience at Colorado taught him the importance of blocking out external noise and maintaining confidence, something he believes Howard is fully capable of doing. “I know what it’s like to have people questioning your ability, especially after a tough loss. You have to keep believing in yourself and your teammates, and Will has shown that he’s that type of leader. He’s been through adversity before. Look at what he did at Kansas State. The guy knows how to win.”
Sanders Highlighted the Role of Team Support
A key part of Sanders’ defense of Howard centered on the notion that quarterback play is never isolated—it’s a team effort. Sanders made it clear that a quarterback’s performance is heavily influenced by the support he receives from the rest of the team, particularly the offensive line, wide receivers, and the coaching staff.
“You can’t put it all on Will,” Sanders continued. “If the offensive line isn’t giving you the time to make plays, if the wide receivers aren’t getting open, it’s tough for any quarterback. Will is in the same position. He’s doing his best out there, but football is a team game. People need to realize that.”
Sanders drew on his own experiences at Colorado, where he has been able to build strong chemistry with his offensive line and receiving corps. “It’s about building trust with your guys and finding your rhythm,” he said. “That’s what Will is doing. It takes time. Ohio State is a huge program with massive expectations, and that’s not easy. But Will is showing up every day and working to get better, and that’s what matters.”
Emphasizing Patience in the Development of a Quarterback
Sanders, known for his poised leadership and ability to stay calm under pressure, also made a point about the need for patience when developing a quarterback. He noted that while the scrutiny on quarterbacks can be intense, especially when playing for a top-tier program like Ohio State, it’s important to recognize that growth and success don’t happen overnight.
“People forget that quarterbacks are constantly developing, no matter how much experience they have. Will Howard is no different. Every game is a chance to learn and get better. You’ve got to be patient with your guys,” Sanders said. “Look at me. My first year at Colorado wasn’t perfect. It’s not going to be perfect for Will either, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a great quarterback.”
This sentiment speaks to a larger narrative about the pressures young quarterbacks face when stepping into major roles. As much as fans and analysts demand immediate results, the reality is that the best quarterbacks often require time to adjust to new systems, develop chemistry with teammates, and refine their skills.
Sanders Calls for Respect and Support for Howard
In his closing remarks, Sanders urged fans and the media to show more respect and support for quarterbacks like Will Howard, who are under constant scrutiny. “We’ve got to stop tearing guys down the second they don’t perform perfectly. It’s tough to be a quarterback, and we all have to learn that when you’re in the spotlight, everything you do is magnified. Instead of tearing Will down, let’s support him and understand what he’s up against,” Sanders said.
He also expressed admiration for Howard’s ability to continue competing despite the pressure. “The fact that he’s still standing tall and fighting every week shows the kind of character he has. That’s what you want in a quarterback. That’s the guy you want leading your team, and that’s why I believe in him.”