- Ohio State Quarterback Will Howard Blames Michigan Fans for Weak NFL Combine Performance
Will Howard, the Ohio State quarterback, has found himself at the center of controversy after his performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Many had high expectations for Howard, who has been a standout player for the Buckeyes, but his showing at the Combine left much to be desired. His performance sparked criticism from analysts, scouts, and fans alike. However, in a surprising turn of events, Howard appeared to shift some of the blame for his lackluster showing onto Michigan fans, calling out the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan as a factor in the perception of his abilities.
After completing his drills and participating in interviews at the NFL Combine, Howard expressed his thoughts on the feedback he had received from various observers. According to Howard, while he felt he had done reasonably well, the negative opinions surrounding his performance were, in his words, “blown out of proportion” by fans of Michigan, Ohio State’s archrivals.
The Context: A Pressure-Filled Combine Performance
The NFL Scouting Combine is an incredibly important event for any draft prospect. It’s the chance for players to showcase their physical skills, their athleticism, and their mental fortitude in front of NFL scouts, general managers, and coaches. Every year, players from across the country compete not just for their future career opportunities but also for their place in the highly competitive NFL Draft.
For a quarterback like Will Howard, who spent several successful years at Ohio State, the Combine could have been a chance to cement his position as one of the top signal-callers eligible for the draft. His college career at Ohio State was marked by key victories and impressive statistics, making him one of the more talked-about quarterbacks heading into the 2025 draft. But despite those achievements, Howard’s performance at the Combine didn’t quite measure up to expectations.
While Howard’s throwing mechanics were sound, some of his throws during the Combine drills were off-target, and he seemed to struggle with accuracy at times. His 40-yard dash time was respectable, but not blazing, and his overall athleticism did not match the top-tier quarterbacks in attendance. These are the types of factors that scouts evaluate when making decisions about a player’s potential at the next level.
However, Howard seemed to feel that these critiques were unfairly exaggerated. In an interview after the Combine, he addressed what he believed were the real reasons behind the negative feedback.
Michigan Fans and the Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most storied and intense in all of college sports. For decades, the two teams have engaged in bitter competition, with each fanbase fiercely loyal to their respective teams. The annual showdown between the Buckeyes and Wolverines is a game unlike any other in college football, often influencing the landscape of the Big Ten Conference, the College Football Playoff race, and, most importantly, the hearts of thousands of fans in Ohio and Michigan.
Howard, as a member of the Ohio State football team, is well aware of the animosity between the two schools. As a quarterback for the Buckeyes, he had been involved in some high-stakes contests against Michigan, including the memorable games that determined playoff berths and conference championships. These games, often played in a highly charged atmosphere, are watched by millions of people, and the opinions formed during these games carry over into the broader narrative surrounding players.
In his interview, Howard suggested that the negativity surrounding his NFL Combine performance had been driven by Michigan fans, who he felt had exaggerated or even twisted the criticism of his abilities. According to Howard, “There were some things said about it afterwards. I thought I did pretty well, I think really it was team up North fans blowing it out of proportion.” His comments implied that Michigan supporters, perhaps driven by their fierce rivalry with Ohio State, had used his Combine performance as a point of criticism to further fuel the rivalry.
A History of Rivalry Impacting Players’ Perceptions
It’s no secret that players from Ohio State and Michigan often face unique challenges when transitioning from college to the pros. The rivalry between the two schools can affect how players are perceived by fans, analysts, and even NFL teams. For years, fans of both teams have debated who produces the better talent, who has the superior football program, and, more broadly, which school is the true powerhouse in college football.
The intense media scrutiny surrounding Ohio State and Michigan players can skew perceptions, especially when a highly regarded player from either side doesn’t live up to expectations. Ohio State players, in particular, often find themselves under a microscope when they don’t perform up to their perceived potential. Michigan fans, who are no strangers to taking jabs at their rivals, have been known to criticize the abilities of Ohio State players, even in the face of success. This behavior may be particularly pronounced with someone like Howard, who was one of the faces of the Buckeyes’ offense.
The narrative surrounding Howard, at least according to his own words, was largely shaped by a segment of Michigan fans who felt a sense of satisfaction in seeing a prominent Ohio State player struggle. Howard’s theory—that these fans exaggerated the negative critiques of his performance—is not out of the ordinary in the highly emotional and competitive world of college football rivalries.
The Bigger Picture: Analyzing the Criticism
While Howard’s comments may have been directed at Michigan fans, it’s important to consider the broader context of his NFL Combine performance. Criticism is an essential part of the evaluation process for any NFL prospect. Scouts, coaches, and analysts are quick to point out weaknesses in players’ games, as this helps teams make the most informed decisions on draft day. Howard may not have been the standout quarterback that some expected, but the Combine is just one moment in the entire evaluation process. The NFL Draft process includes private workouts, team interviews, and college film breakdowns, all of which contribute to a more holistic understanding of a player’s capabilities.
It’s also worth considering that Howard’s comments could be seen as a form of deflection. Rather than directly addressing any potential shortcomings in his performance, he chose to focus on external factors—namely, the influence of Michigan fans. While it’s possible that Howard’s frustration with the negative feedback is understandable, it may have been more productive for him to focus on areas of improvement in his own game rather than pointing fingers.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Will Howard?
The road to the NFL is long and filled with obstacles, and Will Howard still has a lot to prove. While the Combine performance may have been a setback, it doesn’t define his career or his potential in the NFL. What matters most now is how he handles the criticisms and moves forward with the necessary improvements. The scouting community will be watching closely to see how Howard responds to the feedback and whether he can address his weaknesses in preparation for the draft.
As for Michigan fans, they will likely continue to relish any opportunity to criticize Ohio State players. The rivalry will remain a central element of college football culture, shaping perceptions and fueling debates for years to come. However, Howard will need to focus on his own development, regardless of the external noise. If he can shake off the distractions and show growth in his game, he could still have a bright future ahead in the NFL, regardless of the rivalry that often surrounds him.
