Breaking News: 5-Star Quarterback Will Howard Chooses Tennessee Volunteers Over Florida State Seminoles and Kentucky Wildcats After Decommitting from Ohio State Buckeyes
In a stunning and highly anticipated announcement, Will Howard, the 5-star quarterback sensation standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at 236 pounds, has made his decision. After decommitting from the Ohio State Buckeyes, Howard has officially chosen to commit to the Tennessee Volunteers over both the Florida State Seminoles and the Kentucky Wildcats. This move has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, not just because of Howard’s immense talent, but also because of the ripple effect it will likely have on the Vols, the other two schools, and the broader recruiting scene.
Howard’s decision is one that many had been waiting for, as he had garnered attention from nearly every major program in the country. With his decommitment from Ohio State a few weeks ago, it was clear that the highly sought-after quarterback was keeping his options open, and it was anyone’s guess where he might land.
Now that the dust has settled, Will Howard’s choice to join the Tennessee Volunteers marks a critical moment in college football recruiting and could significantly impact the future of the Volunteers’ offense for years to come.
The Recruitment Process: A Roller Coaster Ride
The recruitment of Will Howard has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Once considered a strong commitment to Ohio State, Howard’s decision to decommit from the Buckeyes stunned fans and analysts alike. Ohio State’s loss, however, has proven to be Tennessee’s gain. The reasons for Howard’s initial decommitment from the Buckeyes remain somewhat unclear, but speculation centered on the desire for more playing time and the opportunity to step into a high-profile program where he could make an immediate impact. In a world where quarterbacks are increasingly seeing early playing time, Howard is a player with enough skill to start at the collegiate level sooner rather than later.
Howard’s decommitment sparked a heated battle between some of college football’s most prestigious programs. Florida State, with its storied football history and recent resurgence under head coach Mike Norvell, was considered a serious contender. The Seminoles have made tremendous strides in recent years, and with a coaching staff that has instilled renewed energy into the program, Howard could have been a cornerstone in their long-term plans.
Kentucky, while not traditionally known as a football powerhouse, also had a legitimate shot at landing Howard. Head coach Mark Stoops has done an outstanding job in rebuilding the Wildcats’ program, consistently improving Kentucky’s standing in the SEC and building a foundation for success. Howard’s physical attributes and ability to thrive in both the passing and running game would have complemented Kentucky’s offensive scheme perfectly.
However, despite the allure of these two programs, it was Tennessee that ultimately won Howard’s commitment.
Will Howard: A Next-Level Talent
At 6’4″ and 236 pounds, Howard is an imposing figure on the field. His physical attributes alone make him a unique prospect, and his skill set further elevates his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class. The first thing that stands out about Howard is his cannon of an arm. He can effortlessly sling the football downfield with precision and velocity, making throws that many quarterbacks at the college level can only dream of. Howard is also capable of making all the necessary throws within a variety of offensive systems, including deep passes, intermediate routes, and quick throws in tight windows.
Beyond his arm strength, Howard is also a highly intelligent player. He is known for his ability to read defenses quickly and make adjustments on the fly. His football IQ is off the charts, and he has an innate ability to make smart decisions under pressure. Additionally, Howard’s mobility cannot be understated. While he’s not necessarily a dual-threat quarterback in the mold of some of today’s mobile quarterbacks, he is more than capable of moving out of the pocket and picking up yards with his legs when necessary. His size allows him to absorb contact and keep plays alive, and his ability to make plays while moving is a big part of what makes him so dangerous.
Howard’s leadership qualities are another aspect of his game that stands out. He has a natural ability to lead a team, command respect from his peers, and perform in clutch situations. He has showcased these traits time and time again in high school, leading his team to multiple victories in high-stakes games.
Tennessee’s Quarterback Depth Chart and Impact
Tennessee’s quarterback situation had been somewhat unsettled going into the 2025 recruiting cycle. With the program riding high after a 2024 season that saw significant offensive production, the Volunteers were looking for a quarterback who could keep the offense humming. Enter Will Howard.
Tennessee’s current quarterback depth chart includes solid options, but none that have shown the ability to consistently lead the team to victory in the same way that Howard could. While Joe Milton III, a veteran signal-caller, has been solid in his time as the Vols’ starting quarterback, Howard brings an added dimension to the offense that Milton does not possess. Howard’s dynamic skill set, coupled with his readiness to take on the starting role, presents Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel with an exciting opportunity to mold a future superstar.
Heupel, known for his offensive prowess, has built Tennessee’s offense around a fast-paced, high-scoring system that leans on an explosive passing game. Howard’s ability to make deep throws and push the ball downfield fits perfectly within this offensive scheme. Furthermore, Heupel’s background as a quarterback coach means he will be able to help Howard fine-tune his mechanics and develop into a polished passer at the next level.
Tennessee’s wide receiver corps, one of the most explosive in the SEC, will be a key factor in Howard’s success. The Volunteers have a deep and talented group of pass-catchers who can stretch the field, and Howard’s ability to throw with velocity and accuracy will be crucial in utilizing their talents. With the combination of an elite quarterback and a dynamic receiving corps, Tennessee could quickly become one of the most potent offenses in the country.
The Tennessee Family Welcomes Will Howard
The Volunteers’ coaching staff, along with their passionate fanbase, is thrilled to welcome Will Howard to the program. The announcement has already sparked celebrations across Tennessee, with fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see Howard in action at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee’s coaching staff has made it clear that they believe Howard is the missing piece to take their program to the next level.
“We’re beyond excited to welcome Will to the Volunteer family,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. “Will is a special talent with an incredible work ethic, and we believe he has the ability to help us achieve our goals at the highest level. His physical tools, combined with his football IQ and leadership qualities, make him a perfect fit for our offense. We look forward to working with him and helping him develop into one of the best quarterbacks in the country.”
Heupel’s enthusiasm is echoed by Tennessee’s fanbase, who have taken to social media to express their excitement over the commitment. The Volunteers’ recent success in recruiting has created a sense of optimism within the program, and adding a player of Howard’s caliber only strengthens that feeling.
“Will Howard is exactly the kind of player we need to take Tennessee to the next level,” one fan tweeted. “We’ve got the offense to make some noise in the SEC, and now we’ve got the quarterback to lead it.”
What Does This Mean for the SEC?
Will Howard’s commitment to Tennessee is also a significant development for the SEC. The conference is known for producing top-tier quarterbacks, and with Howard now joining the fold, Tennessee becomes an even more formidable force in an already competitive league. With Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and other perennial powerhouses dominating the SEC in recent years, Tennessee’s rise under Heupel has added a new dimension to the conference.
Howard’s decision is likely to lead to more talent flocking to Tennessee in the future. Players, particularly offensive skill players, will look at the Volunteers and see a program with a quarterback capable of leading them to championship-level success. As the program continues to build under Heupel’s guidance, the presence of a top-tier quarterback like Howard will help keep Tennessee at the forefront of SEC recruiting.
Looking Ahead
The excitement surrounding Will Howard’s commitment to Tennessee is just beginning. As he prepares to join the team in the coming months, all eyes will be on him as he looks to make an immediate impact. With his combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence, he is poised to become one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Tennessee fans can now look forward to a future that includes a quarterback capable of leading the team to SEC championships and beyond. The Volunteers’ offensive future is looking brighter than ever, and with Will Howard at the helm, Tennessee is poised for greatness.
In conclusion, Will Howard’s decision to commit to the Tennessee Volunteers marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the program and the young quarterback. With his immense talent and leadership, Howard is ready to make a lasting impact on college football, and his journey to greatness will undoubtedly be one of the most closely followed stories in the sport for years to come. Welcome to the Tennessee family, Will Howard!