Breaking: 5-Star QB Will Howard (6’4″, 236 lbs) Has Officially Decommitted from Ohio State and Has Committed to the Tennessee Volunteers
In a dramatic twist in the college football recruitment world, 5-star quarterback Will Howard, standing 6’4″ and weighing in at 236 pounds, has officially decommitted from Ohio State and committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. This unexpected decision has not only rocked the recruitment scene but also sent shockwaves throughout the college football community. Howard’s commitment to Tennessee marks a significant turning point for both programs, one with ramifications that will be felt for years to come.
The journey of Will Howard has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a strong arm, exceptional size, and undeniable athleticism, Howard has been regarded as one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class. His recruitment was initially dominated by Ohio State, which appeared to be the clear front-runner for his commitment. However, in a shocking turn of events, Howard has opted to decommit from the Buckeyes, leaving many in the football world questioning what led to this sudden change of heart. The decision came after months of speculation and intense recruitment efforts from other top programs, including Tennessee, who had been relentlessly pursuing Howard for months, knowing the potential he could bring to their program.
Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State is one that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. The Buckeyes had been seen as the frontrunner for his commitment for quite some time, with Howard even making multiple visits to Columbus and establishing a close relationship with head coach Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff. Howard had previously praised the Buckeyes’ offensive scheme and their development of quarterbacks, including recent successes like C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields. However, something about Ohio State’s program just didn’t resonate with Howard in the long term, and his decommitment was a result of a deep personal decision that was shaped by various factors.
Many pundits believe that Tennessee’s persistence and strong recruitment efforts played a key role in Howard’s change of heart. The Volunteers, led by head coach Josh Heupel, have been on an upward trajectory since Heupel took over the program, and the coaching staff’s ability to develop quarterbacks has been a significant factor in Howard’s ultimate decision. Heupel’s fast-paced, high-scoring offensive scheme has turned Tennessee into one of the most exciting teams in the SEC, and the prospect of playing in such an explosive system likely appealed to Howard. The Volunteers have shown that they can maximize the talents of their quarterbacks, with Heupel’s previous success at UCF with Dillon Gabriel serving as a proof of concept. Additionally, the team’s rapid rise to national prominence has put them in the spotlight, making it clear to Howard that Tennessee was ready to compete for championships, and he could play a key role in that ascent.
Another contributing factor to Howard’s decision is the relationship he has built with Tennessee’s coaching staff. Throughout the recruitment process, Heupel and his staff have prioritized building a personal connection with Howard, offering him a vision of what he could achieve at Tennessee. Howard’s decision to commit to Tennessee over Ohio State wasn’t just based on football; it was also about a place where he felt he could grow as both a player and a person. Tennessee’s culture of support and development, both on and off the field, provided Howard with the reassurance he needed to make his final choice. The Vols were able to demonstrate that they weren’t just offering him a scholarship, but a chance to thrive in an environment that would push him to be his best while surrounding him with a strong supporting cast.
Tennessee’s quarterback room has been bolstered by the addition of Howard, and his decision marks a significant turning point for the program. For years, Tennessee has struggled to find consistent quarterback play, with multiple transfers and coaching changes leading to a lack of stability at the position. Howard’s commitment represents a fresh start for the Vols, giving them a cornerstone player who can lead them into the future. As a 5-star quarterback, Howard has the tools to be a game-changer. His arm strength is among the best in the class, and his size and physicality make him a true dual-threat quarterback. With the ability to make all the throws, combined with his athleticism to escape pressure and extend plays, Howard brings an exciting dynamic to Tennessee’s offense.
Howard’s commitment is also a statement about Tennessee’s status as a rising power in college football. For years, the Vols had been viewed as a program stuck in mediocrity, unable to break through in the SEC. However, the past few seasons under Heupel’s guidance have changed that narrative. Tennessee’s high-powered offense has garnered national attention, and the success of players like Hendon Hooker has only increased the program’s appeal to elite recruits. Hooker’s development under Heupel has been a major selling point for Howard, as it shows that the Vols’ system is capable of turning talented quarterbacks into high-level players. With Howard now committed, Tennessee has firmly established itself as a legitimate contender in the SEC and on the national stage. The Vols have the opportunity to not only develop Howard but to build an offense that will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Ohio State’s loss is Tennessee’s gain, but the Buckeyes are far from done. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff will undoubtedly shift their focus to finding a replacement for Howard, and with Ohio State’s national reputation and consistent success, they will be able to attract another elite quarterback prospect. However, losing a 5-star quarterback like Howard is a blow to any program, especially one that had invested so much into securing his commitment. The decommitment will certainly force Ohio State to reevaluate its recruiting approach and make sure that they maintain their top-tier standing in the recruiting rankings. The Buckeyes will look to bounce back, but for now, the focus shifts to Howard’s commitment to Tennessee and what it means for both programs.
For Will Howard, the decision to commit to Tennessee represents the beginning of a new chapter in his football career. He is stepping into a program that is ready to take the next step toward greatness. With Heupel’s guidance, Howard will have the opportunity to thrive and develop into one of the top quarterbacks in college football. The Vols’ offense is built around a fast-paced, dynamic style that plays to Howard’s strengths, and he will be given every opportunity to succeed. Howard’s commitment also serves as a signal to other recruits that Tennessee is a program on the rise, and it could help the Volunteers land more high-profile commitments in the future.
Tennessee’s recruitment of Howard is a testament to the power of persistence and vision. The Vols never gave up in their pursuit of the elite quarterback, and now they have their prize. Howard’s commitment is a major victory for Tennessee, and it is a signal that the program is back in the national conversation. With Howard under center, the Volunteers have a bright future ahead, and the college football world will be watching closely as Tennessee continues to make strides toward becoming a powerhouse in the SEC and beyond.
In the end, Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State and commit to Tennessee is more than just a recruitment story. It’s a reflection of the changing dynamics in college football, where programs are evolving, and top recruits are seeking out opportunities that align with their personal and athletic goals. Tennessee has proven that it can compete at the highest level, and with Howard on board, the Vols are poised to make their mark on the national stage. As for Howard, he has chosen a path that offers him the opportunity to shine, and now it’s up to him to deliver on the potential that made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the country.