Steelers' Arthur Smith Shares What Pittsburgh Loved Most About New Rookie Quarterback Will Howard

The Pittsburgh Steelers were heavily known as an NFL franchise in serious need of adding a young quarterback throughout the 2025 offseason. The Steelers let Russell Wilson and Justin Fields find new suitors during free agency, which led to the Black and Gold signing Mason Rudolph. A definitive answer has yet to come from Aaron Rodgers and his representatives about his future, but the front office in Pittsburgh seems confident he will be signing with them at some point soon. To add to their complicated quarterback room, the Steelers selected former Ohio State quarterback and 2025 National Champion, Will Howard, in the sixth round. 

The Steelers were able to land Howard with the 185th overall draft pick. Many fans were hoping the Steelers would draft Shedeur Sanders, but he wound up finding a different AFC North home as his mysterious drop in the draft unfolded. Howard, a Pennsylvania native, had great things to say about Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers' organization after the two parties met prior to the draft.

In his 2024-2025 championship run with the Buckeyes, Howard threw for over 4,000 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also ran the ball into the end zone seven times last year as well. At six-foot-four and over 230 pounds, Howard's big frame is an advantage of his that guided him through his best year in 2024. 

On Saturday, after the Steelers selected Howard, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith applauded Howard in a presser for the person he is and the resume he has coming into the NFL. 

"Obviously, we're really excited to add Will to our quarterback room. Really impressive resume," Smith said to Pittsburgh reporters. "He's played in a lot of big games and when I got a chance to meet with him and spend some time with him at his Pro Day, just came away even more impressed at the person that Will Howard is. We're just excited to add to our quarterback room and have an opportunity to work with him."

In the College Football Playoffs National Championship game, Howard led the Buckeyes to a commanding 31-7 lead over Notre Dame by the third quarter, which resulted in a 34-23 confetti celebration. Howard finished the game completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards, two touchdown passes, and no turnovers. Howard even started off the game by completing his first 13 passes consecutively. On the biggest stage possible, Howard was able to deliver and win a National Championship in his senior year of college. 

Howard may not be the franchise's savior or end up becoming the next franchise quarterback, but the Steelers needed a young and promising backup that can develop. Whether he sits behind Rodgers or Rudolph in 2025, Howard will be given a chance to prove he deserves a chance at having the keys to the offense. Howard will be turning 24 years old in September when the NFL regular season is on its way. 

Steelers Now Have A Young Quarterback Option To Develop In Will Howard

Howard won't be the team's starting quarterback this season, unless Pittsburgh's quarterback group suffers multiple catastrophic injuries. Assuming Rodgers will be with the Steelers in 2025, Howard will have great mentors to learn from between he and Rudolph. The Steelers were going to take a quarterback at some point during the draft, but how early or late they would do so was uncertain. Landing Howard in the sixth round after selecting three defensive linemen and a new starting-caliber running back was a great move for the Black and Gold. 

Along with Howard, the Steelers were able to draft another former Buckeye, Jack Sawyer. Sawyer was a monster as Ohio State's best edge rusher and will be joining one of the best groups in the entire NFL. 

What do you think Howard could bring to the Steelers' offense? Will his resume give him an edge for his professional career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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