Will Howard, a top 5-star quarterback, has decommitted from Ohio State and flipped his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs, surpassing Auburn and Ohio State. Welcome to the family!
Will Howard has made headlines recently by decommitting from Ohio State and flipping his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs. A top-tier, five-star quarterback prospect, Howard has rapidly ascended the ranks of high school football, and this unexpected turn in his recruitment has sent shockwaves throughout the college football landscape. Known for his exceptional arm strength, vision, and poise in the pocket, Howard has become one of the most coveted players in the 2025 recruiting class. His decision to flip from one elite program to another underscores the ever-evolving world of college football recruiting, where shifting allegiances and high-stakes decisions can drastically alter the trajectory of a player’s career—and in turn, the future of college football programs.
The Recruitment Process: Ohio State to Georgia
Will Howard’s recruitment was a closely watched saga from the moment he started to show off his prodigious talent in high school. Initially, Howard had committed to Ohio State, a program that has been a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten and has consistently produced top-tier quarterbacks, including Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud. Ohio State’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks made it a natural choice for many top quarterback recruits, including Howard.
However, the college football recruiting world is one defined by competition, and things can change in an instant. As Howard’s recruitment progressed, the Georgia Bulldogs emerged as a serious contender. Georgia, the defending national champions, boasts one of the most prestigious football programs in the nation under head coach Kirby Smart. Known for their elite defense, powerful running game, and strong quarterback play, Georgia’s consistent success on the field made it an attractive option for Howard.
What led to his eventual flip is multi-faceted. Firstly, Georgia has been at the forefront of college football in recent years, with back-to-back national championships and a stable, winning environment that appeals to elite recruits. With quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck leading the charge, Georgia’s offense is evolving, and Howard’s potential fit in that system must have played a role in his decision.
Moreover, the opportunity to play for a team that is consistently in the College Football Playoff mix must have weighed heavily in Howard’s decision. The chance to compete for national championships while continuing to develop as a quarterback is something that very few programs in college football can offer. For a player of Howard’s caliber, competing at the highest level is a top priority, and Georgia offers a unique blend of offensive potential, winning culture, and resources to help him thrive.
The Decision: Why Georgia?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Howard’s decision is what it says about the current state of Georgia football and its quarterback development system. Georgia’s success in recent years, underpinned by a stifling defense and a balanced offense, has been built on a foundation of solid quarterback play. While some may have expected Howard to remain committed to Ohio State, Georgia’s continued excellence and ability to develop talent likely played a significant role in his decision.
At Georgia, Howard will have the opportunity to work under the guidance of Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, both of whom have a track record of developing quarterbacks for the next level. Bobo, in particular, has been instrumental in the development of quarterbacks at Georgia, helping guide the team to multiple SEC titles and national championships. Howard’s decision to join the Bulldogs is a statement that he sees Georgia as a place where he can grow both as a quarterback and as a leader on the field.
Another factor to consider is Georgia’s ability to offer a competitive and stable environment. While Ohio State has certainly been a dominant force in college football for years, Georgia has found success in both recruiting and player development, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Howard’s choice to join the Bulldogs speaks volumes about the future direction of the program, especially as they continue to evolve and reassert themselves as one of the premier programs in the country.
The Implications for Georgia Football
Will Howard’s commitment to Georgia has significant ramifications for the Bulldogs. Firstly, it secures them a quarterback with immense potential, someone who can lead the team for several years to come. Howard’s arm strength, poise, and ability to read defenses make him an ideal fit for Georgia’s pro-style offense, and his addition could propel Georgia into an even stronger position to compete for future national championships.
For Georgia’s recruiting efforts, Howard’s commitment serves as a statement of dominance. The Bulldogs have already established themselves as one of the elite programs in the nation, and by securing a top-five quarterback prospect, they send a clear message to the rest of the college football world that they are not slowing down. As Georgia continues to attract top-tier recruits at all positions, the addition of Howard strengthens their position as a recruiting juggernaut.
Additionally, Howard’s commitment will have a ripple effect on Georgia’s quarterback room. As it stands, Georgia has several talented quarterbacks competing for playing time, including Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff. Howard’s arrival will likely increase the competition and foster an environment where only the best players will emerge as starters. This type of competition breeds excellence, and Georgia’s quarterback room is set to be one of the most competitive in the country for years to come.
The Impact on Ohio State’s Recruiting Strategy
While Georgia celebrates its win in the recruitment of Howard, Ohio State must now regroup. Losing a five-star quarterback recruit, especially one as highly regarded as Howard, is a significant blow to any program, but it is especially tough for Ohio State, which has long prided itself on its ability to land elite quarterbacks. The Buckeyes have seen great success with quarterbacks like Fields and Stroud, and many thought Howard would be the next in line.
Ohio State, however, is no stranger to adversity in recruiting. While Howard may have flipped to Georgia, the Buckeyes remain a powerhouse program with a track record of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks. They will undoubtedly continue to recruit at a high level and will quickly turn their attention to other top quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. Ohio State has a rich history of success, and despite this setback, they are likely to land another blue-chip quarterback in the coming months.
The Buckeyes’ recruiting strategy, particularly at the quarterback position, will continue to evolve in response to Georgia’s success on the field and the recent flip of Howard. Ohio State’s ability to rebound and adapt will be key in maintaining its status as one of the top programs in college football.
Will Howard’s Future at Georgia
Looking ahead, Will Howard’s future at Georgia looks incredibly bright. His skill set aligns well with the Bulldogs’ offensive philosophy, and with the right development, he could be poised to lead Georgia to further success in the coming years. Howard has the potential to be a Heisman candidate, and his ability to perform on the big stage will only grow as he continues to mature in Georgia’s system.
If Howard can step into the starting role and perform as expected, he could help Georgia secure even more national championships and solidify its place as a dynasty in college football. His leadership, arm talent, and football IQ are already elite, and with the coaching staff at Georgia, there is no telling how high he could go.
Conclusion: A New Era for Georgia Football
Will Howard’s decision to flip his commitment from Ohio State to Georgia is a monumental one, not just for the player himself but also for the college football world at large. His arrival in Athens signifies a new era for Georgia football, one that promises continued excellence and a bright future. For Georgia fans, the excitement surrounding Howard’s commitment is palpable, and the program’s national title hopes for the coming years just became even more promising.
For Ohio State, Howard’s flip is a setback, but it is by no means the end of the road. The Buckeyes will regroup and refocus on recruiting, and they will likely land another highly ranked quarterback in short order. Ultimately, the ever-shifting nature of college football recruiting means that no team can rest on its laurels for long, and both Georgia and Ohio State will continue to battle for the top players in the country.