Eric Boggs
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard is no stranger to the grand stage of college football. As the Buckeyes prepare for their Cotton Bowl clash with Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Howard’s past experiences, personal growth, and determination have become key talking points.
Howard’s familiarity with high-stakes venues, including multiple appearances at Ohio Stadium, is shaping his perspective heading into the matchup. “We played there in 2021,” he recalled. “It was our first game of the season my sophomore year, and then, of course, we played in the Big 12 Championship down there. It’s a fun place to play, and I’ve got some fond memories.” However, Howard’s focus is on rewriting less favorable narratives. “A lot of guys on this team have some not-so-fond memories there, so we want to flip the script.”
For Howard, the matchup against Texas carries a personal edge. During his tenure at Kansas State, he faced the Longhorns four times without a victory. “That was the only team I didn’t beat in the Big 12,” he admitted. “There’s definitely extra motivation for me. None of those games were unwinnable, so I’m excited to get another chance.”
Howard credits Ohio State’s coaching staff for helping refine his approach to the game. “Coach Kelly told me early on, ‘Don’t make things happen; just let it happen.’ That’s been huge for me,” he shared. “Focusing on taking completions, staying on schedule, and not forcing plays has made a big difference.”
With the stakes at their highest, Howard’s composure will be crucial. “You don’t want to press to make wild plays because it’s the playoffs,” he explained. “Your mindset can’t change. You’ve got to keep playing free and doing what’s been working.”
Howard’s journey to Ohio State has also been marked by a strong sense of gratitude. “I’ve always had a bit of an underdog mentality,” he said. “I wasn’t highly recruited and kind of got thrown in early at K-State. That chip on my shoulder has fueled me. The guys here have taken me in and loved me for who I am. This year’s been a blessing in so many ways, and I’m just thankful to be here.”
Howard’s history with Texas and his in-depth knowledge of their defensive schemes provide a unique advantage. “I went back and watched our game from last year,” he said. “They’ve got some new players, but a lot of their defensive schemes remain the same. They’re pretty darn good at what they do.”
The Longhorns boast the nation’s best pass defense, allowing just 5.5 yards per attempt, a challenge Howard is acutely aware of. “You have to be smart, take the game as it comes, and find the cavities in their defense,” he noted. While respecting standout defenders like Thorpe Award winner Jalen Catalon, Howard emphasized the collective nature of preparation. “I’m not putting myself up against anyone,” he said. “I’m putting me and my guys up against him and his guys.”
Howard acknowledged the physical and mental grind of the extended season but maintained perspective. “Yeah, kind of. Yeah, a little bit. But, you know, we all knew this was the format,” he said. “We’re proud to be here, but we haven’t done anything yet. We still have two more games to win before we can really say we did something.”
Howard praised his teammates, particularly defensive standouts JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, for their energy during practice. “I’ve seen the edge in those guys the last couple weeks,” he said. “The way we’ve practiced has propelled us to perform. We need to keep that same edge.”
Ohio State’s offensive line, criticized early in the season, has shown significant improvement. “Their resilience impresses me the most,” Howard said. “They’ve bounced back and proved themselves against really good fronts.”
For Howard, this semifinal matchup represents an opportunity for both personal and team redemption. He vividly recalls a heartbreaking overtime loss to Texas during his time at Kansas State. “That one still sticks with me. Still pisses me off a little bit,” he admitted. “I’m excited to get another chance at these guys.”
As the Buckeyes prepare for what Howard calls “the biggest game of the year,” his blend of experience, growth, and unwavering belief in his teammates positions him as a pivotal figure in Ohio State’s pursuit of victory. “This is why I came here,” he said. “To be a Buckeye, to have a chance at a national championship. Now we’ve got to finish the job.”
The Buckeyes and Longhorns will clash in the semifinals this weekend, with a trip to the national championship on the line.
