K-State football players happy to see former QB Will Howard succeed at Ohio State

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson likes to watch college football games when the Wildcats get a weekend off, so he had an opportunity to check in on an old friend on Saturday.

The first game Johnson turned on that morning was Purdue at Ohio State. He watched as K-State transfer Will Howard led the Buckeyes to a 45-0 victory by throwing for 260 yards and a touchdown.

Howard has helped guide Ohio State to an 8-1 record and No. 2 ranking. His former teammates have noticed.

“They looked pretty dominant in that game,” Johnson said. “I have talked to him a few times this year, between or after games, just kind of trying to see how he’s doing. Obviously, it’s really good to see him be successful and have a lot of success at Ohio State. Really, though, I’m just grateful that I got to spend time with him here.”

It is becoming more and more common for quarterbacks to make a name for themselves at one school and then finish their college football careers in a new uniform.

Dillon Gabriel was an All-Big 12 quarterback at Oklahoma before he transferred to Oregon this season. Cam Ward played at Washington State before he took command of the Miami offense. And let’s not forget that Adrian Martinez was the big man on campus at Nebraska before he switched to K-State two years ago.

Now it is Howard’s turn, and he is making the most of his final year of eligibility.

Howard helped K-State win a Big 12 championship in 2022 and he tied the school record for single-season touchdown passes last year. But he looked for a change of scenery when it became clear that Johnson was ready to start at quarterback for the Wildcats, and Howard had other options.

Miami and USC both recruited him after he entered the transfer portal. He also considered turning pro. But he ultimately signed with Ohio State, and now he is having his best season.

Howard has completed 74% of his passes this year for 2,237 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is on pace to set career highs in just about every passing statistic. Outside of the high-profile mistake he made by sliding on the final play of a loss at Oregon, it’s been a dream season for Howard.

K-State is also having a promising season with Johnson in charge of the offense, as the Wildcats are off to a 7-2 start and ranked No. 19.

That has made it possible for both sides to move on without any regrets.

“I root for him just like I know that he roots for us,” K-State football coach Chris Klieman said. “I’m happy for his success.”

It also helps that Howard’s younger brother, Ryan, is a freshman offensive lineman at K-State.

“His younger brother is here, so you can ask how he’s doing,” K-State offensive lineman Hadley Panzer said. “I try not to ask Ryan too much about it, because I want to let Will do his thing. But I have talked to Will a few times this year and it’s really good to see him having the success that he is having.”