JUST IN: Breaking — 5-Star Quarterback Will Howard (6’4”, 236 lbs) Decommits from Ohio State and Commits to Georgia Bulldogs Over Tennessee and Missouri
ATHENS, GA — In a shocking development that has sent ripples across the college football world, five-star quarterback Will Howard, one of the top recruits in the 2026 class, has officially decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and announced his commitment to the University of Georgia. The 6’4”, 236-pound signal-caller from St. Louis, Missouri, made his decision public early Saturday morning, citing Georgia’s “winning culture, development track record, and elite coaching staff” as the driving factors in his flip. The announcement is a massive recruiting victory for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, who fended off strong late pushes from the Tennessee Volunteers and the Missouri Tigers to land one of the most physically gifted quarterback prospects in recent memory.
Will Howard’s decision comes as both a stunner and a statement. Originally committing to Ohio State nearly eight months ago, Howard had been widely expected to continue the Buckeyes’ tradition of elite quarterback play. However, in recent weeks, rumors had begun to swirl that the quarterback was reconsidering his options, especially after multiple unofficial visits to SEC campuses, most notably Athens and Knoxville. Still, few expected a flip this close to the start of his senior high school season.
For Georgia, Howard’s commitment isn’t just another blue-chip addition—it’s a monumental moment in shaping the future of the program’s offense. As a pure prospect, Howard checks every box that elite college programs covet. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a sturdy 236-pound frame, he’s physically built like a Sunday player already. More importantly, he has the arm talent, athleticism, and mental sharpness to step into a college system and compete at a high level almost immediately. His junior season at Ladue Horton Watkins High School was nothing short of dominant. Howard threw for over 3,400 yards with 41 touchdown passes and just four interceptions while rushing for an additional 11 scores. He led his team to a state title game appearance and was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Missouri.
Beyond the stats, scouts rave about his combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. He can make every throw on the field—from tight-window slants to deep balls down the seam—and he does it with an ease that has drawn comparisons to NFL quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Josh Allen. His presence in the pocket is mature, and his ability to extend plays outside the structure of the offense gives him the modern dual-threat edge that’s become so valuable at the college and professional levels. Simply put, he is the kind of quarterback that can elevate a program—and Kirby Smart knows it.
Speaking on his commitment, Howard told reporters, “Georgia just felt like home. The culture, the toughness, the brotherhood—it’s real. I’ve been watching what they’ve done over the last few years with developing guys at every position, especially quarterback. Coach Smart has built something special there, and I want to be part of it. I love how they compete. Every practice is like a championship game. I want to be pushed, and I know I’ll get that in Athens.”
Howard’s commitment sends a strong message to both the SEC and the national college football landscape: Georgia is not just a defensive powerhouse—they’re committed to elite quarterback play and offensive firepower, and they’re willing to go head-to-head with the top programs in the country to get it. Offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon and quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo played instrumental roles in flipping Howard, reportedly conducting multiple in-home visits and phone calls to reassure the family of Georgia’s vision and long-term plan. According to insiders, what sealed the deal was Howard’s recent unofficial visit to Athens, where he spent significant time with players, toured the facilities, and sat in on a team meeting that gave him a firsthand look at Georgia’s championship culture.
The flip also dramatically reshapes Georgia’s quarterback room for the future. With current starter Carson Beck likely heading to the NFL after this season and highly-touted 2024 recruit DJ Maddox waiting in the wings, Howard’s addition gives Georgia a pipeline of top-end talent that few programs can match. While it’s unclear whether Howard will redshirt his freshman year or immediately compete for playing time, there’s no question he’ll be in the mix early. His competitive nature and physical readiness could accelerate his path to the field.
In terms of recruiting momentum, Howard’s commitment is a massive boost for Georgia’s 2026 class, which was already trending toward top-three national status. Quarterbacks often serve as the anchor of a recruiting class, and in Howard, Georgia not only has a centerpiece but also a vocal leader. Howard has already begun reaching out to fellow recruits, including several high-profile wide receivers and offensive linemen, encouraging them to join him in Athens. His commitment could trigger a domino effect, particularly with skill players who want to play with a quarterback capable of winning championships.
Meanwhile, reactions from the other schools involved have been mixed. Ohio State, long known for producing elite quarterbacks, is left with a significant gap to fill in their class. While they are still pursuing other quarterback targets, Howard was viewed as the gem of their 2026 haul. The loss is particularly tough for Buckeyes fans, who believed Howard’s early commitment was solid. Tennessee, which pushed hard in the final month, had hoped that their high-powered offense and NIL opportunities would be enough to lure the Missouri native to Knoxville, but ultimately fell short. Missouri, considered a dark horse due to Howard’s home-state ties, also made a compelling pitch, but couldn’t match Georgia’s combination of championship pedigree and development reputation.
The flip also adds another layer to the SEC’s ever-intensifying arms race. With programs like Texas, Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee all actively recruiting top quarterback talent, landing a five-star like Howard is about more than just one player—it’s about maintaining a competitive edge in a league where talent is both abundant and essential. Georgia now possesses a long-term quarterback succession plan that could keep them at the top of the college football mountain well into the next decade.
Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was understandably thrilled, releasing a brief statement shortly after the announcement: “Will Howard is a special player and an even better young man. His talent, leadership, and drive make him a perfect fit for our program. We’re excited to welcome Will and his family to the Bulldog Nation. The best is yet to come.”
Fans quickly took to social media to celebrate the news, with hashtags like #CommittedToTheG and #WelcomeWill trending within minutes of the announcement. Highlight reels of Howard’s junior season were reposted across Bulldog fan forums and recruiting platforms, and speculation immediately began about how soon he could take over the starting job once he arrives on campus. For a program that has grown used to success and national attention, Howard’s commitment still feels like a milestone moment—an exclamation point in an offseason that has already been filled with optimism.
The recruiting implications go beyond Georgia, however. The ripple effects of Howard’s decision are likely to impact several other programs, especially in the SEC East. As elite quarterbacks are the most difficult positions to recruit and retain in the NIL and transfer portal era, losing out on a player like Howard forces programs to shift quickly and reevaluate their strategy. Georgia’s success in flipping him also sends a clear message to future recruits: if you want to compete for national titles, develop under elite coaching, and prepare for the NFL, Athens is one of the premier destinations in the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, the buzz surrounding Will Howard will only intensify. Whether he eventually becomes a Heisman contender, a national champion, or an NFL star remains to be seen, but for now, one thing is clear: Georgia just landed its quarterback of the future. And in a league as competitive as the SEC, that’s everything.
Welcome to the Bulldogs family, Will Howard. The Dawgs just got even stronger.
