5-Star Quarterback Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Commits to Tennessee Volunteers
In a stunning development on the college football recruiting trail, 5-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and announced his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound signal-caller had previously pledged to Ohio State earlier this year, but after careful consideration, he has decided to take his talents to Knoxville. Howard chose Tennessee over other top contenders, including the Kentucky Wildcats and the Florida State Seminoles.
Howard’s flip to Tennessee is a major win for head coach Josh Heupel and his staff, who have been aggressively recruiting elite offensive talent to continue building a dynamic, high-powered program. The Volunteers’ offensive scheme, known for its fast pace and quarterback-friendly system, was reportedly a key factor in Howard’s decision.
“Tennessee just felt like home,” Howard said in a brief statement following his announcement. “Coach Heupel and the staff have a great vision for my development, and I’m excited about the opportunity to lead this team in the future. The energy in Knoxville is unmatched, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Ranked among the top quarterbacks in the nation for the class of 2025, Howard has been widely praised for his size, arm strength, and leadership abilities. At 6’4” and 236 pounds, he has the physical tools to be a dual threat, capable of making big plays both through the air and on the ground. Scouts have compared his style of play to that of recent NFL standouts, noting his poise in the pocket and ability to extend plays.
Howard’s commitment gives Tennessee a huge boost in their 2025 recruiting class, which was already shaping up to be one of the strongest in the SEC. He is expected to serve as the cornerstone of the Vols’ future offensive plans and could become a face of the program over the next several seasons.
For Ohio State, the loss of Howard is a tough blow, especially considering their reputation for developing top-tier quarterbacks. However, the Buckeyes remain in the mix for other top recruits and are likely to intensify their pursuit of another elite QB to fill the gap.
The recruitment saga also included strong pushes from Kentucky and Florida State, both of whom had hoped to land the talented quarterback. Ultimately, the combination of Tennessee’s system, coaching staff, and program direction sealed the deal.
Fans in Knoxville have already taken to social media to welcome Howard to the Tennessee family, and excitement around his commitment is at a fever pitch. With Howard now on board, the future of Tennessee football looks even brighter as the Volunteers aim to return to national championship contention.
As the recruiting cycle continues, Tennessee’s momentum is undeniable—and Will Howard’s commitment is a clear signal that top talent is buying into what the Volunteers are building.