Will Howard’s Parting Message to Ohio State on Friday Turns Heads

The Ohio State Buckeyes are still riding the high of their College Football Playoff National Championship win on Jan. 20, capping off a season filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for the fans in Columbus. At 10-1 heading into the final week of the regular season, they had a chance to snap a three-game losing streak against Michigan.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, they fell 13-10 to a Wolverines team with five losses, despite being heavy favorites. That loss flipped a switch.

Led by quarterback Will Howard, the Buckeyes bounced back with dominant wins over Tennessee and Oregon, then took down Texas and Notre Dame to secure the title.

In his one season at Ohio State, Howard provided the leadership and high level of play the team needed to ultimately get back to college football’s glory. Now, as the fifth-year senior prepares for the NFL draft, he shared a heartfelt message for the program that welcomed him with open arms.

“Thank you Ohio State. For everything,” Howard captioned a post of him verbally reflecting on his time as a Buckeye. In the video, he expressed gratitude for his teammates, thanked the coaching staff, and showed appreciation for the Ohio State fans.

Ohio State fans were quick to share a reply on his post. “No, thank you,” one fan said. “Go be great, Will!” another wrote. “Skies the limits for you.

The ultimate teammate.” “Ok fine Will,” added another.

“I can just have a good cry on a Fridays night.

Thank you so much. Love you forever! I-O.”

“Thanks Champ! Will be cheering you on in the league,” said a fan.

“Buckeye legend for life. Thank You!” added another. Howard finished the season with 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The four-year Kansas State Wildcat is rated as the ninth-best quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL draft, according to Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling.