Will Howard Opens Up on the Tough Journey Behind His Transfer to Ohio State and Life as a Buckeye
When college football players make a decision to transfer, the public often sees only the announcement graphic, the press release, or the quick social media post celebrating the new chapter. What people don’t always see are the difficult nights of reflection, the uncertainty about the future, and the heavy weight of leaving behind a program, teammates, and a community that became a second home. For Will Howard, the decision to leave Kansas State and join the Ohio State Buckeyes was not just about football, it was about growth, identity, and the courage to step into an entirely new arena where expectations are sky high and the margin for error is razor thin. Now that he is officially settled in Columbus, Howard has opened up about just how tough that process really was and what life as a Buckeye has meant for him.
Howard had already carved out a reputation for himself at Kansas State as a steady leader and tough competitor. He guided the Wildcats through high-pressure situations, displayed grit in the face of adversity, and became one of the most respected quarterbacks in the Big 12. But in today’s era of college football, where the transfer portal has become an avenue for both opportunity and uncertainty, players like Howard often have to make difficult choices. For him, the decision wasn’t born out of dissatisfaction with Kansas State—it was born out of the realization that he still had room to grow, and that if he truly wanted to test himself on the biggest stage, a program like Ohio State offered that chance.
The process of leaving wasn’t simple. Howard described it as one of the hardest things he has ever had to do, particularly because of the relationships he built at Kansas State. College athletes don’t just play for a school, they live in that community, they bond with teammates like brothers, and they represent fans who cheer them on week after week. Saying goodbye means closing a chapter that can never be reopened in the same way. Howard revealed that there were countless moments where doubt crept in—questions about whether he was making a mistake, whether the fit would be right at Ohio State, and whether he could handle the immense pressure that comes with wearing the scarlet and gray.
When he finally arrived in Columbus, the reality of life as a Buckeye hit immediately. Ohio State football is unlike nearly any other program in the nation. The demands are constant, the expectations are sky high, and the media attention can be overwhelming. For a quarterback, the pressure is doubled, because Ohio State fans, coaches, and alumni expect not just good performances, but championships. Howard admitted that at first, it was intimidating. The facilities were different, the competition level was intense, and every player in the quarterback room was capable of leading a major program. Nothing was guaranteed, and Howard knew he would have to earn everything from scratch, regardless of what he accomplished at Kansas State.
What helped him adjust was the support from his new teammates and coaches. Ryan Day and the offensive staff believed in his ability to lead, but they also challenged him to elevate every part of his game. Howard has spoken about how the transition forced him to sharpen his mechanics, master a more complex offensive system, and embrace a leadership role in a locker room full of talent. He couldn’t simply rely on being the experienced transfer—he had to build trust, connect with his teammates, and prove that he belonged in one of college football’s most storied programs.
Off the field, Howard also faced challenges. Moving to a new city, adapting to a new culture, and stepping into the spotlight of Ohio State football is a massive adjustment. In Manhattan, Kansas, the environment was close-knit, familiar, and comfortable. In Columbus, everything was magnified, from the size of the campus to the constant buzz of media coverage. Howard leaned on his family and his faith to get through those difficult adjustments. He has been candid about how there were days when the weight of expectations felt heavy, but he also emphasized that those moments have shaped him and made him stronger.
Life as a Buckeye, Howard says, has been humbling and rewarding. The traditions, the fans, and the sense of responsibility that comes with representing Ohio State have given him a new perspective on what it means to be a college football player. He doesn’t take lightly the fact that every Saturday, when he steps onto the field, he is carrying the hopes of millions of fans who live and breathe Ohio State football. For him, it’s not just about personal success, it’s about contributing to something much larger than himself.
What makes Howard’s story compelling is not just his decision to transfer, but how he has embraced the journey. Many athletes struggle when they leave a program where they are established and comfortable to start over in a place where nothing is guaranteed. Howard, however, has leaned into the challenge. He has acknowledged the difficulties, the self-doubt, and the fear, but he has also embraced the growth, the opportunity, and the excitement that comes with playing at Ohio State.
In discussing his journey, Howard has also highlighted the emotional side of being a college athlete. Fans often see players as just performers on the field, but the reality is that these are young men navigating life transitions, identity, and massive pressure in front of millions of people. Howard admitted that leaving Kansas State felt like leaving behind part of his identity, but he also realized that growth often requires stepping into uncomfortable situations. His willingness to be open about that struggle has resonated with many, because it shows that behind the helmet and jersey, there is a human being making very difficult decisions.
Howard’s story also reflects the larger changes in college football. With the transfer portal, athletes now have more freedom to move, but that freedom comes with a cost. It requires courage to leave behind comfort and familiarity, and it demands resilience to prove yourself all over again. Howard has become an example of how to navigate that process with honesty, humility, and determination. His willingness to open up about the tough journey gives fans a deeper appreciation of what players go through when they make these decisions.
Now, as Howard continues to settle into life as a Buckeye, his focus is on leading Ohio State to the kind of success the program is known for. He knows that championships are the standard in Columbus, and that anything less is often seen as falling short. But instead of shying away from those expectations, Howard has embraced them. He has talked about how the pressure motivates him to be at his best every single day, and how being part of such a storied program has given him a renewed sense of purpose.
The story of Will Howard’s transfer is more than just a football move—it’s a story about resilience, growth, and the courage to step into the unknown. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, the toughest decisions are the ones that push us toward becoming our best selves. For Howard, the journey to Ohio State was filled with challenges, but it has also been filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead on one of the biggest stages in college football. As he continues his career in Columbus, he carries with him the lessons from Kansas State, the struggles of transition, and the determination to leave his mark as a Buckeye.
In opening up about his journey, Howard has given fans a glimpse into the heart of a college quarterback who is not just chasing wins, but also chasing growth as a person and leader. His story is a reminder that behind every transfer portal headline is a young man making one of the hardest decisions of his life, and that sometimes the toughest paths lead to the most meaningful destinations.
