The college football recruiting landscape was shaken up today with breaking news that one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects, 5-star signal caller Will Howard, has officially decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and has chosen to take his talents to the Florida State Seminoles. At 6’4” and 236 pounds, Howard is a physically gifted quarterback with a powerful arm, a sharp football IQ, and the athleticism to match, making him one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country. His flip from Ohio State is a major storyline on its own, but his ultimate decision to commit to Florida State over other top-tier programs such as the Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers makes this an even bigger win for head coach Mike Norvell and his staff in Tallahassee.
Howard’s recruitment has been under the microscope for months. As the consensus No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, Howard has had scouts and coaches from across the country watching his every move. Originally committing to Ohio State, his decision was seen as a massive victory for the Buckeyes, who have long had a reputation for developing elite quarterbacks and contending for national championships. But in recent weeks, there had been whispers that Howard was reevaluating his future. His visits to multiple campuses, especially to Florida State, raised eyebrows and led to speculation that his commitment to the Buckeyes might not be as solid as it once appeared.
What ultimately led to the flip? While the full details are still emerging, several factors likely played a significant role in Howard’s change of heart. First and foremost is the quarterback room situation at Ohio State. With current depth and commitments from other top quarterbacks, including the highly-rated Julian Sayin, it’s possible that Howard began to question where he would fit in the Buckeyes’ pecking order. The competition at Ohio State is fierce, and for a young quarterback looking to see the field early, the crowded room may have presented a potential obstacle to early playing time.
In contrast, Florida State presented an opportunity that may have been too appealing to pass up. The Seminoles are building something special under Norvell, who has steadily returned the program to national relevance. With a system that emphasizes quarterback development and a recent track record of explosive offensive play, FSU offered a platform where Howard could shine. Additionally, the departure of veteran quarterbacks and the need for a new leader under center gave Howard a clear path to take the reins early in his college career. That kind of opportunity—where a player of his caliber can immediately compete and lead—can be a game-changer in recruitment.
The Seminoles coaching staff also deserves immense credit for this flip. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Alex Atkins was reportedly instrumental in building a relationship with Howard and his family. According to insiders close to the recruitment process, Florida State rolled out the red carpet during his unofficial and official visits. The attention to detail, the presentation of their offensive scheme, and the genuine personal connection they developed with Howard made all the difference. Recruits and their families are often swayed by more than just facilities and rankings—they want to know they are valued and will be developed. Florida State made that pitch convincingly.
Howard’s decision is not only a huge recruiting win for Florida State—it also sends a message across the college football landscape. The Seminoles are no longer the team clawing their way back to relevance—they are back, and they’re ready to compete for national championships. To win the commitment of a 5-star quarterback over SEC powerhouses like Florida and Missouri, as well as to pry him away from a blue-blood program like Ohio State, speaks volumes about where FSU stands right now. This move will undoubtedly energize the Seminole fan base, whose expectations for the program have been steadily rising in recent years.
It’s important to recognize how rare and significant a flip like this is. Quarterbacks, especially top-ranked ones, don’t often decommit from programs like Ohio State without serious thought. These decisions are often rooted in deep evaluations of coaching, scheme fit, development potential, and long-term vision. For Howard to make this move publicly and decisively indicates a great deal of confidence in Florida State and what the program is building. He now becomes the centerpiece of a recruiting class that is shaping up to be one of the best in recent FSU history.
In terms of what Howard brings to the table, Florida State is getting a quarterback who checks every box. At 6’4” and 236 pounds, he has the prototypical size for a college—and potentially NFL—quarterback. But he’s more than just a physical presence. He has demonstrated elite arm strength, showing the ability to make all the necessary throws at every level of the field. Whether it’s a deep ball down the sideline or a tight window throw over the middle, Howard makes it look effortless. His pocket awareness is advanced for his age, and he has a natural feel for pressure and movement. But what really separates him is his ability to extend plays with his legs without relying on his mobility too much. He uses his athleticism when needed, which makes him a dual-threat in the truest sense—not just a runner, but a passer who can hurt defenses if they sleep on his speed.
His leadership traits have also been widely praised. Coaches from both high school and camp circuits have noted Howard’s maturity, vocal leadership, and work ethic. He’s described as a “field general” who commands respect from teammates and makes those around him better. For a program like Florida State, having a quarterback who can not only perform at an elite level but also inspire and elevate a team is a priceless asset.
This decision also adds more fuel to the growing rivalry between Florida State and the Florida Gators. Florida was one of the finalists for Howard’s commitment, and for the Seminoles to beat out their in-state rival for a player of this caliber is a massive blow to Billy Napier and his staff in Gainesville. The Gators have been aggressively pursuing top-tier talent in an effort to close the gap with Georgia and Alabama in the SEC, but this miss will sting. Likewise, Missouri had made a strong push for Howard, positioning themselves as an emerging SEC contender with a bright offensive future. Losing out on Howard to a non-SEC school may cause some soul-searching in Columbia.
The timing of the decision also cannot be overlooked. With the college football season rapidly approaching, securing a top quarterback early in the recruiting cycle allows Florida State to solidify its offensive identity for the future. Other recruits—especially offensive weapons like wide receivers and running backs—often gravitate toward programs that have elite quarterbacks. Howard’s commitment could be the domino that triggers a wave of additional blue-chip commitments to Tallahassee. Already, social media has lit up with reactions from current FSU players and other recruits, welcoming Howard to the Seminole family and expressing excitement about the future.
For Ohio State, this is a tough blow, but not a fatal one. The Buckeyes remain one of the premier programs in the country, with a history of reloading talent rather than rebuilding. They will undoubtedly turn the page quickly and continue their pursuit of other top quarterbacks, but losing a 5-star prospect who had publicly committed is never easy. It also puts more pressure on their quarterback development pipeline to prove that they can continue producing elite-level talent under new coaching leadership.
As for Howard, the spotlight on him will only intensify from here. As the face of Florida State’s future at quarterback, he’ll have the eyes of the fan base, the media, and NFL scouts on him from the moment he steps foot on campus. But if his past performances and poise under pressure are any indication, he is more than ready to handle it. The journey ahead is long and full of challenges, but Howard’s decision to join Florida State is already reshaping the narrative around the Seminoles’ next era.
In the ever-shifting chessboard of college football recruiting, few moves carry the weight and impact of a 5-star quarterback flip. Today, Florida State didn’t just land a player—they landed a leader, a future star, and potentially, the missing piece in their return to championship contention. Will Howard’s name will now be etched into the recruiting lore of the Seminoles, and if everything goes according to plan, he could one day be remembered as one of the most pivotal players to wear the garnet and gold. Welcome to the Seminoles family, Will Howard—the future just got a lot brighter in Tallahassee.
