Will Howard has led a high-powered Ohio State offense to the College Football Playoff title game vs. Notre Dame.
The Buckeyes' quarterback, in his first season with the team after transferring from Kansas State, has had a strong season. Through Ohio State's 15 games, Howard has totaled 3,779 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's talented offense.
Howard, a fifth-year senior, will be playing his final game with the Buckeyes in the national championship no matter the result. His journey at Ohio State will last just one season, but Howard has been playing closer to his hometown than when he was with the Wildcats.
Here's what to know about Howard's background prior to college, including his hometown, high school, and recruiting.
MORE: Comparing Ohio State and Notre Dame's all-time players
Where is Will Howard from?
Howard grew up in Downingtown, Penn., which is around 33 miles west of Philadelphia.
SN's PLAYOFF HQ: Live CFP scores | Updated CFP bracket | Full CFP schedule
Will Howard high school
Howard attended Downingtown West High School, where he played quarterback and became a college recruit.
In his senior year, Howard was named the Maxwell Football Club Pennsylvania Player of the Year. He also played basketball, a two-time All-Area selection with over 1,000 career points.
Will Howard high school stats
Here's a look at Howard's stats at Downingtown West High School, per MaxPreps:
| Year | Grade | Games | Completions-attempts | Pass yards | AVG | Pass TDs | INTs | Rush yards | Rush TDs |
| 2019-20 | Senior | 14 | 151-238 | 2,543 | 16.8 | 27 | 8 | 276 | 12 |
| 2018-19 | Junior | 7 | 86-140 | 1,299 | 15.1 | 12 | 2 | 34 | 3 |
| 2017-18 | Sophomore | 10 | 117-190 | 1,447 | 12.4 | 9 | 4 | 206 | 6 |
| 2016-17 | Freshman | 2 | 1-3 | 19 | 19.0 | 0 | 1 | -- | -- |
| 33 | 355-571 | 5,308 | 15.0 | 48 | 15 | 516 | 21 |
COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS
Will Howard recruiting
Howard, a member of the 2020 recruiting class, wasn't considered a top-tier quarterback prospect, but he still garnered some interest. The 247Sports Composite Rankings had Howard as the No. 882 overall player in the class, No. 33 pro-style quarterback, and No. 7 player out of Pennsylvania.
Also receiving offers from schools like Rutgers, Kansas, Minnesota, Maryland, and more, Howard, a three-star recruit, ultimately chose Kansas State in 2019. He would spend four seasons with the Wildcats, throwing a total of 48 touchdown passes.
Howard entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season, later committing to Ohio State for his final collegiate season.