Eric Boggs
Will Howard has shown, without question, that he’s not only a better quarterback than J.J. McCarthy—he’s on another level entirely when you consider the full context of their performances. From an Ohio State fan’s perspective, it’s baffling how anyone could argue otherwise, especially if you strip away the narratives and examine the facts objectively.
First, the most obvious and significant factor: the Michigan cheating scandal. The difference in McCarthy’s production with Connor Stalions on the sideline versus without him is impossible to ignore. When he had advance knowledge of defensive calls, he looked like an NFL-caliber quarterback. Once that edge was removed, his production fell off dramatically. It’s no coincidence. And no, that’s not speculation—it’s a matter of record, and it absolutely matters when evaluating his skill and decision-making.
Second, strength of schedule makes all the difference. Michigan’s path to the national championship was historically weak—perhaps the softest schedule ever for a champion. Ohio State’s 2024 run, led by Will Howard, was the polar opposite. It was a gauntlet. The Buckeyes faced six top-five teams throughout the season and postseason. Will Howard didn’t just survive that schedule—he elevated his team. He delivered when the lights were brightest and the stakes were highest. That kind of toughness, poise, and ability to perform in talent-equated games defines greatness.
The comparison becomes even clearer when you look at the supporting casts. People like to discredit Howard because of Ohio State’s skill talent, but that argument crumbles under scrutiny. Great receivers still need a quarterback who can make reads, throw with accuracy, and lead under pressure. If elite receivers automatically meant elite quarterback play, then Kyle McCord would’ve succeeded. He didn’t. Will Howard did—because he made everyone around him better. That’s the mark of a true leader and a great quarterback.
When J.J. McCarthy was asked to win games on his own, without a dominant run game, offensive line, or illegally gained intel, he struggled. The tape doesn’t lie. His performances against Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State—post-Conor Stallions—were subpar. Against TCU in 2022, he couldn’t carry Michigan despite having superior talent. Meanwhile, Will Howard, even during his Kansas State days, took teams with far less talent and made them dangerous. He nearly beat Texas with Kansas State’s roster. At Ohio State, he beat Texas. That’s not just experience. That’s clutch. That’s championship material.
Stats? Howard had more yards, better efficiency, and a higher quarterback rating—all against tougher defenses and better competition. When McCarthy finally faced a solid Alabama defense, he played decently—but let’s be real: that Bama defense wasn’t close to the standard we expect from a Nick Saban unit. It wasn’t 2016 or 2020 Alabama. And Washington’s defense in the title game? Please. The Pac-12 was a defensive joke outside of Utah. Big 12 defenses are tougher, and Howard proved himself repeatedly in that conference before thriving in the Big Ten.
Draft position? Meaningless in this case. We’ve seen countless top-10 quarterbacks bust. The NFL has always misjudged QB talent when it buys into media hype instead of watching the film. Caleb Williams might end up as the poster child for that. J.J. McCarthy’s selection by the Vikings might cost that GM his job. That’s how shaky the projection is when you dig into actual on-field performance.
Will Howard didn’t ride the wave—he was the wave. He wasn’t propped up by a generational O-line or insider information. He led, he delivered, and he conquered arguably the hardest schedule college football has seen in decades. And to suggest McCarthy could’ve done the same is to ignore everything we’ve seen on tape.
So, no. There’s no serious argument to be made that J.J. McCarthy is better than Will Howard. Not statistically, not situationally, and certainly not in terms of leadership and intangibles. Will Howard earned his place among Buckeye legends, and that 2024 title run is a legacy-defining chapter in Ohio State history.
