Eric Boggs
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to take on the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl, quarterback Will Howard finds himself at the heart of one of college football’s most storied stages. The senior signal-caller from Pennsylvania spoke candidly to the media about the magnitude of the opportunity, his team’s mindset, and the growth that has brought him to this moment.
For Howard, the Rose Bowl represents more than just another game. Growing up in the countryside of Pennsylvania, he watched the Big Ten and dreamed of playing in college football’s “Granddaddy of Them All.” “I remember my high school band going to the Rose Bowl, and it was such a big deal,” Howard shared. “To now be the quarterback at Ohio State in this game is surreal. God has blessed me in so many ways, and I’m incredibly thankful.”
Despite the awe-inspiring nature of the opportunity, Howard remains grounded. “This is where we expected to be,” he emphasized. “Coming to Ohio State, this was the goal. Now it’s crunch time, and we’re focused on making the most of it.”
The matchup against Oregon carries added weight for Howard and the Buckeyes. Earlier in the season, Ohio State suffered a painful loss to the Ducks, a game that Howard admits still haunts him. “I still have nightmares about that play with one second left,” he confessed. “You don’t get a lot of second chances in life, so this is a blessing. It’s about going out there and making things right.”
Howard has reviewed the film from the first game “more times than I can count,” dissecting what went wrong and identifying areas for improvement. However, he acknowledges that both teams have evolved. “We’re different teams now,” he said. “It’s about finding the balance between learning from the past and preparing for the present.”
Ohio State thrives on playing with a chip on its shoulder, a mentality that fueled their success in a pivotal win over Tennessee. “We play well with that underdog mentality,” Howard explained. “The challenge now is keeping that edge and not getting complacent. The same people praising us today were doubting us two weeks ago.”
Howard credits the team’s preparation and focus in practice as key factors in maintaining that intensity. “It all starts with how we practice,” he said. “We need to keep our heads down, grind, and carry that same mindset into the game.”
Howard also highlighted the importance of his teammates in the Buckeyes’ success, particularly his growing connection with tight end Gee Scott Jr.. “Gee an unbelievable player and a great teammate,” Howard said. “He’s been instrumental in my faith journey this year, and our bond has really strengthened on and off the field.”
Jeremiah Smith’s exceptional talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. “You leave him one-on-one, and it’s almost automatic,” Howard said. “He’s mature beyond his years and can do things I’ve never seen anyone do.”
As Howard and the Buckeyes prepare for the Rose Bowl, their focus is clear: execute, capitalize on opportunities, and play their best football. “It’s not going to be easy,” Howard acknowledged. “Oregon is a great team, but we’re ready to impose our will and make the most of this chance.”
For Howard, the game is about more than just redemption or accolades. It’s an opportunity to embrace the moment and give thanks for the journey that brought him here. “This is special,” he said. “I’m just blessed to be part of it. Go Bucs.”
