In the world of college football, where every season is a new chapter in the grand saga of tradition, rivalries, and dreams of glory, there is one constant truth that fuels the passion of fans and players alike—the pursuit of the championship. For Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard, the goal is crystal clear: a national championship. Howard’s confident statement that a rational Buckeye fan would always choose the championship over any other outcome has sparked discussion among both fans and pundits alike. As Ohio State continues to strive for excellence, Howard’s perspective offers valuable insight into the mentality that drives the team and its passionate fanbase.
Ohio State has long been a powerhouse in college football, with a rich history of success on the field. However, in recent years, the Buckeyes have fallen short of capturing the elusive national championship, despite consistently being one of the top programs in the nation. With such a competitive atmosphere in the Big Ten and a growing number of elite teams vying for supremacy, the road to the title is more challenging than ever. Yet, Howard’s assertion that rational fans would choose a championship every time speaks to the heart of what Ohio State football is all about—striving for the pinnacle of success, no matter the cost or the obstacles in the way.
To fully understand the weight of Howard’s words, it’s important to look at the context surrounding Ohio State football and the expectations that come with being a fan of such a storied program. The Buckeyes are one of the most successful teams in college football history, with multiple national championships to their name. From Woody Hayes to Urban Meyer and now Ryan Day, the program has maintained a standard of excellence that few can match. The expectation is not just to compete, but to win, and win at the highest level. For Ohio State fans, a successful season isn’t defined merely by winning the Big Ten or making a New Year’s Six bowl game—it’s about capturing the national title.
Howard’s comments reflect this understanding of the program’s culture. He acknowledges that the standard at Ohio State is one of greatness, and anything short of a national championship would be seen as falling short of the program’s lofty goals. But why is the championship so significant? Why does it hold such weight in the minds of fans and players alike?
For starters, the championship represents the ultimate validation. It’s the culmination of a season’s worth of hard work, preparation, and sacrifice. It’s the reward for overcoming the hurdles that come with playing in the highly competitive landscape of college football. For a program like Ohio State, which has consistently been in the conversation for a playoff spot year after year, winning the national title is seen as the culmination of their efforts to prove they are the best of the best.
Beyond the personal satisfaction of achieving greatness, a national championship also carries with it a sense of legacy and history. Ohio State fans are fiercely proud of their program’s traditions, and every victory adds to the lore of the team. The Buckeyes have produced numerous legendary players over the years, from Archie Griffin to Ezekiel Elliott, and each of those players has contributed to the program’s storied past. But championships are what cement a program’s place in history. They define eras, elevate legends, and leave an indelible mark on the college football landscape.
Howard’s perspective is also influenced by the nature of competition in today’s college football world. With the rise of the College Football Playoff and the increasing number of elite programs that challenge for the title each season, winning a national championship has become even more difficult. Teams like Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and LSU have all established themselves as perennial powerhouses, making it a constant battle for supremacy. In this environment, the pressure to succeed is immense, and anything less than a national title can feel like a missed opportunity.
This is where Howard’s confidence in his team comes into play. As a quarterback, he understands the magnitude of the task ahead of him and his teammates, but he also knows the potential for greatness that exists within the Ohio State program. The Buckeyes have consistently recruited top-tier talent, and Howard himself is a product of that success. He’s seen firsthand the caliber of players that come through the program, and he knows that with the right leadership, they have the ability to compete with the best in the country.
But Howard’s comments also reflect a larger mindset within the Ohio State football community—one that is unwilling to settle for anything less than the best. Rational fans, as Howard describes them, aren’t content with a successful season if it doesn’t end with the championship. While a Big Ten title or a playoff berth might be viewed as respectable by other programs, at Ohio State, the standard is higher. The Buckeyes are expected to contend for national titles, and anything short of that is seen as a disappointment.
This mentality isn’t just about winning games—it’s about the culture of excellence that has been built over decades. From the facilities to the coaching staff to the fanbase, Ohio State operates as a well-oiled machine that is always focused on the next big goal. Every season is viewed as an opportunity to add to the program’s legacy, and the pursuit of a national championship is the driving force behind everything the team does.
Howard’s statement also speaks to the broader theme of fan expectations in college football. In many ways, Ohio State fans have come to expect greatness, and rightfully so. With a history of success and a track record of producing NFL talent, the Buckeyes are one of the premier programs in the country. But with those expectations come the inevitable pressure to deliver. For a program like Ohio State, anything less than a championship can be seen as a failure, regardless of the circumstances.
It’s important to note that Howard’s words are not meant to diminish the value of other accomplishments. A Big Ten title, a playoff appearance, or a major bowl victory are all significant achievements in their own right. However, for Ohio State, the championship is the ultimate goal. It’s the standard by which everything else is measured, and it’s the one thing that would make rational Buckeye fans feel truly satisfied at the end of the season.
As the Buckeyes continue to build toward a potential national championship, Howard’s confidence and perspective will serve as a rallying cry for his teammates and the fanbase. It’s a reminder that the road to the title is long and difficult, but it’s also a reminder of the pride that comes with wearing the scarlet and gray. For Ohio State, it’s not just about being good—it’s about being great. And as long as Howard and his teammates maintain that mindset, the pursuit of the championship will remain the driving force behind everything they do.
In conclusion, Will Howard’s statement that rational Buckeye fans would choose the championship every day of the week encapsulates the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines Ohio State football. For the Buckeyes, a national title is the ultimate goal, and anything less is viewed as falling short of their legacy. As the team continues to work toward that elusive championship, Howard’s confidence and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the program’s relentless pursuit of greatness. For Ohio State, the chase for the championship is not just a goal—it’s a way of life. And as long as that mentality persists, the Buckeyes will remain one of the most formidable forces in college football.