Pittsburgh Steelers and the Quarterback Conundrum: Could Will Howard Be the Answer?
If there’s one position that has consistently dominated the headlines for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s quarterback. As the team scouts the 2025 NFL Draft class, all eyes are on who could potentially lead the franchise into the future. With the draft looming, speculation is running wild, and one name that keeps popping up is Ohio State’s Will Howard.
Gerry Dulac, a Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, has highlighted Howard as “one of the best possibilities” for Pittsburgh. But what makes this young quarterback such an intriguing prospect? And should the Steelers take the risk on him? Let’s dive deep into Howard’s journey, his potential, and whether he could be the right fit for the black and gold.
From Kansas State to Ohio State: A Tale of Transformation
Will Howard’s college career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Before transferring to Ohio State, Howard spent four years at Kansas State, where he had a rather unremarkable tenure. Inconsistent play, a high turnover rate, and limited full-season experience painted a picture of a quarterback struggling to find his rhythm. In fact, during his freshman year in 2020, Howard led his conference in interceptions—a stat no QB wants to have next to his name. Over 34 games at Kansas State, he completed just 58.8% of his passes, racking up 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions.
But then, something changed.
In his lone season at Ohio State, Howard turned into one of the nation’s most efficient and dynamic passers. Completing an impressive 73% of his throws, he amassed 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns while limiting interceptions to just 10 across 16 games. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship, proving he could handle the brightest lights and biggest moments.
The transformation was nothing short of astonishing. So what happened? Was it the coaching? The offensive scheme? The talent around him? Or did Howard simply take a massive leap in his development? NFL scouts are asking these very questions as they try to determine whether his success at Ohio State was a fluke or a glimpse of his true potential.
The Big Ben Comparison: A Match Made in Pittsburgh?
When analyzing Howard’s potential fit with the Steelers, there’s one name that keeps coming up—Ben Roethlisberger. At 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, Howard has the size and mobility reminiscent of a young Big Ben. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac sees shades of the former Pittsburgh great in Howard’s playing style, toughness, and ability to extend plays under pressure.
That’s not a comparison that gets thrown around lightly in Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger’s legacy is one of resilience, clutch performances, and, most importantly, Super Bowl victories. If Howard can capture even a fraction of that, he could be worth the gamble.
A Quarterback Willing to Prove Himself—Even in a Parking Lot
One of the most exciting things about Howard isn’t just his stats or his physical attributes—it’s his work ethic. Reports from the Pat McAfee Show revealed that on the night before his NFL Combine drills, Howard was spotted throwing in an Indianapolis hotel parking lot at 11 p.m. That level of dedication is rare and speaks volumes about his hunger to prove himself.
When asked about his ability to perform under pressure at the NFL Combine, Howard confidently stated:
“The thing that was important, I played my best ball when the lights were the brightest. I think I proved I am best when the pressure is on. I was able to show teams that hopefully, I can be that face of the franchise and I can be a starting quarterback in the NFL for a long time.”
That kind of mindset is exactly what teams look for in a potential franchise quarterback.
The Risk vs. Reward Factor: Should the Steelers Take the Gamble?
There’s no doubt that Howard presents a unique challenge for NFL scouts. On one hand, his Kansas State days show inconsistency and a struggle with turnovers. On the other, his Ohio State season was nothing short of elite. So, which version of Will Howard will an NFL team get?
For the Steelers, this decision could be franchise-altering. If Howard is still available in the third or fourth round, taking a chance on him could be a smart move. Here’s why:
✅ The Steelers Need Depth at QB – Even if they don’t see Howard as an immediate starter, having a young, promising quarterback in development is crucial.
✅ His Physical Tools Are Undeniable – A 6’4”, 236-pound QB with mobility and a strong arm? That’s the kind of upside teams dream about.
✅ He Thrives Under Pressure – Howard has repeatedly proven that he plays his best when it matters most, something that could translate well to the NFL.
But of course, there are risks:
⚠️ Can He Maintain His Ohio State Performance? – Was his success due to Ohio State’s system and talent, or did he genuinely improve as a passer?
⚠️ Turnover Concerns – His Kansas State track record isn’t great in this area, and if that resurfaces in the NFL, it could be a dealbreaker.
⚠️ Competition Level – How will he adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses?
Final Verdict: Is Howard the Steelers’ Future QB?
No one can say for certain if Will Howard will be the next great quarterback in the NFL. What we do know is that he’s an intriguing prospect with a mix of size, mobility, arm talent, and an undeniable work ethic.
If the Steelers are looking for a potential gem in the later rounds, Howard might just be worth the risk. He has shown he can adapt, improve, and step up when it matters most. And in a league where finding a franchise quarterback is the difference between mediocrity and championship contention, sometimes taking a chance is the best move a team can make.
Steelers fans, buckle up. The draft is coming, and this decision could shape the team’s future for years to come.
If there’s one position that has consistently dominated the headlines for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s quarterback. As the team scouts the 2025 NFL Draft class, all eyes are on who could potentially lead the franchise into the future. With the draft looming, speculation is running wild, and one name that keeps popping up is Ohio State’s Will Howard.
But then, something changed.
In his lone season at Ohio State, Howard turned into one of the nation’s most efficient and dynamic passers. Completing an impressive 73% of his throws, he amassed 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns while limiting interceptions to just 10 across 16 games. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship, proving he could handle the brightest lights and biggest moments.
The transformation was nothing short of astonishing. So what happened? Was it the coaching? The offensive scheme? The talent around him? Or did Howard simply take a massive leap in his development? NFL scouts are asking these very questions as they try to determine whether his success at Ohio State was a fluke or a glimpse of his true potential.
The Big Ben Comparison: A Match Made in Pittsburgh?
When analyzing Howard’s potential fit with the Steelers, there’s one name that keeps coming up—Ben Roethlisberger. At 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, Howard has the size and mobility reminiscent of a young Big Ben. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac sees shades of the former Pittsburgh great in Howard’s playing style, toughness, and ability to extend plays under pressure.
That’s not a comparison that gets thrown around lightly in Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger’s legacy is one of resilience, clutch performances, and, most importantly, Super Bowl victories. If Howard can capture even a fraction of that, he could be worth the gamble.
A Quarterback Willing to Prove Himself—Even in a Parking Lot
One of the most exciting things about Howard isn’t just his stats or his physical attributes—it’s his work ethic. Reports from the Pat McAfee Show revealed that on the night before his NFL Combine drills, Howard was spotted throwing in an Indianapolis hotel parking lot at 11 p.m. That level of dedication is rare and speaks volumes about his hunger to prove himself.
When asked about his ability to perform under pressure at the NFL Combine, Howard confidently stated:
“The thing that was important, I played my best ball when the lights were the brightest. I think I proved I am best when the pressure is on. I was able to show teams that hopefully, I can be that face of the franchise and I can be a starting quarterback in the NFL for a long time.”
That kind of mindset is exactly what teams look for in a potential franchise quarterback.
The Risk vs. Reward Factor: Should the Steelers Take the Gamble?
There’s no doubt that Howard presents a unique challenge for NFL scouts. On one hand, his Kansas State days show inconsistency and a struggle with turnovers. On the other, his Ohio State season was nothing short of elite. So, which version of Will Howard will an NFL team get?
For the Steelers, this decision could be franchise-altering. If Howard is still available in the third or fourth round, taking a chance on him could be a smart move. Here’s why:
✅ The Steelers Need Depth at QB – Even if they don’t see Howard as an immediate starter, having a young, promising quarterback in development is crucial.
✅ His Physical Tools Are Undeniable – A 6’4”, 236-pound QB with mobility and a strong arm? That’s the kind of upside teams dream about.
✅ He Thrives Under Pressure – Howard has repeatedly proven that he plays his best when it matters most, something that could translate well to the NFL.
But of course, there are risks:
⚠️ Can He Maintain His Ohio State Performance? – Was his success due to Ohio State’s system and talent, or did he genuinely improve as a passer?
⚠️ Turnover Concerns – His Kansas State track record isn’t great in this area, and if that resurfaces in the NFL, it could be a dealbreaker.
⚠️ Competition Level – How will he adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses?
Final Verdict: Is Howard the Steelers’ Future QB?
No one can say for certain if Will Howard will be the next great quarterback in the NFL. What we do know is that he’s an intriguing prospect with a mix of size, mobility, arm talent, and an undeniable work ethic.
If the Steelers are looking for a potential gem in the later rounds, Howard might just be worth the risk. He has shown he can adapt, improve, and step up when it matters most. And in a league where finding a franchise quarterback is the difference between mediocrity and championship contention, sometimes taking a chance is the best move a team can make.
Steelers fans, buckle up. The draft is coming, and this decision could shape the team’s future for years to come.
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