Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has seen his NFL Draft stock soar following a commanding performance in the College Football Playoff (CFP) win over Tennessee. The victory, which secured the Buckeyes a spot in the national championship game, was a defining moment in Howard’s career. It also provided scouts and analysts with a clear snapshot of his development, poise under pressure, and overall talent.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Howard’s stock is firmly on the rise. A combination of his physical traits, leadership, and now signature postseason performance has put him on the radar of many NFL teams looking for their next franchise quarterback. Here, we’ll explore the key factors influencing his draft stock after the CFP win over Tennessee and assess what scouts are saying about the Ohio State signal-caller.
Elite Physical Tools
One of the primary reasons Will Howard has become a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft is his impressive physical attributes. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 225 pounds, Howard has the ideal size for an NFL quarterback. His arm strength is often highlighted by scouts, as he can make every throw on the field, from deep sideline passes to threading the needle in tight windows over the middle. Against Tennessee, Howard showcased his ability to drive the ball downfield, hitting his receivers in stride on deep throws that had been a hallmark of Ohio State’s offense throughout the season.
His mobility is another key asset that has enhanced his draft prospects. While Howard isn’t a dual-threat quarterback in the mold of some mobile quarterbacks, he has the ability to make plays with his legs when necessary. His pocket awareness and ability to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield have impressed coaches and scouts alike, making him a potential fit in both traditional pro-style and spread offenses.
Poise Under Pressure
The win over Tennessee was an important showcase of Howard’s mental toughness. In a high-stakes environment, with the Buckeyes’ national title hopes on the line, Howard demonstrated poise and calm under pressure. Despite facing a tenacious Tennessee defense, he managed the game with confidence, showing an ability to stay composed even in critical moments. Howard’s 350-yard, 3-touchdown performance against Tennessee was a testament to his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under duress is a major plus for NFL teams, especially those who prioritize quarterbacks with the mental acuity to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Howard displayed his command of the offense, making necessary adjustments and checks that helped Ohio State stay balanced and avoid turnovers in a high-pressure game.
Development and Consistency
A key aspect of Howard’s draft stock is his development over his career at Ohio State. Early on, there were questions about his consistency and decision-making, but his evolution as a starter has been evident. His performance in 2024 has been much more consistent, with Howard cutting down on turnovers and improving his accuracy. Over the course of the season, his completion percentage has risen, and he’s shown more trust in his receivers.
Against Tennessee, Howard completed 67% of his passes, demonstrating an ability to hit his marks with precision. This ability to operate with consistency has moved him from being a potential second-round pick to a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Comparisons to Top QBs
As scouts begin to evaluate Howard in comparison to other quarterbacks in the 2025 class, many see similarities to some of the top current and past quarterbacks in the NFL. His combination of size, arm strength, and intelligence draws comparisons to quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford or Joe Burrow. Like Burrow, Howard has shown an ability to rise to the occasion in big games, and his success in the CFP may ultimately push him into the first-round conversation.
However, Howard still has areas for improvement, particularly in his consistency with timing on shorter throws and in his ability to make quicker decisions under pressure. If he can continue to polish these aspects of his game, he will be a strong candidate for the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Conclusion
Will Howard’s stock in the 2025 NFL Draft is certainly on the rise after his impressive showing in the CFP win over Tennessee. The victory served as a culmination of his growth as a quarterback, and it has given NFL scouts plenty to like. With his elite physical tools, mental toughness, and high-level playmaking, Howard could soon be one of the top quarterbacks selected in the 2025 draft. His development in the national championship game and beyond will be crucial in determining his final draft position, but if he continues to perform at a high level, the sky is the limit for Will Howard’s NFL future.