Steelers QB Will Howard's Drive To Be NFL-Ready Led To Transferring To Ohio State

The Pittsburgh Steelers have wrapped up their 2025 NFL Draft season and they managed to add several pieces that are expected to have a strong role in the 2025 season. There are also several prospects they added either late in the draft or signed shortly following its conclusion that have promising upside. 

Despite all the talent they added, especially in the trenches, they still didn't appear to address their immediate need at quarterback. Whether it was passing on Shedeur Sanders in the first round, and several after, or not taking some of the other intriguing prospects they were linked to on the first two days, there were many in Steeler Nation wanting answers. 

Making the decision to wait on quarterback until the sixth round this year when they selected Will Howard out of The Ohio State University was likely very intentional, as it is still believed that Aaron Rodgers will eventually sign with the Steelers. 

Selecting Howard, especially as late as they did, has been viewed as one of the top steals of the draft by many and a perfect fit for both sides. Howard is a very experienced player that operates within the confines of the offense by getting the ball to his playmakers. He also has had his mind set on being in the best position he could to be NFL ready. While joining Ben Roethlisberger on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, Howard discusses how transferring to Ohio State helped prepare him for his NFL journey. 

"There was no better place than Ohio State for me," said Howard on his decision to transfer. "In terms of having Ryan Day as my head coach, he was telling me when I was getting recruited, we are going to bring in a guy with NFL experience to be the OC."

Ryan Day didn't lie to Howard when he said he was focused on bringing in a former NFL play-caller, as he brought in Chip Kelly to work with Howard. Kelly came in after a two-week stint where Bill O'Brien was expected to fill that role, but he moved on quickly to be a head coach elsewhere. Ultimately, Kelly coming in resulted in Howard putting together his best season and winning a National Championship. 

Howard elaborates how being at Ohio State for that one season is really what helped him take his game on the field to the next level. 

"I always say I developed as a man at Kansas State," said Howard. "I really grew up and learned a lot of things there off the field. But on the field, my development, really all happened at Ohio State. I learned so much in this past year, everything lined up."

Showing that development both on and off the field at his different stops is likely a key piece that ended up drawing the Steelers to him, as Head Coach Mike Tomlin is always as focused on what the man is like as a person, not just as a football player. 

Taking his game to the next step, with an NFL caliber play-caller, was needed for Howard's game for him to prove that he can compete in the NFL. Whether or not that development will translate is yet to be determined, but with their current quarterback room it is likely he will get his chance. 

Steelers' Quarterback Room Confuses Everyone

There are not many people who know for certain if the Steelers plan is to go all in on Rodgers this year, and there are likely even less who know if Rodgers plan is to actually come to the Steelers. It is an issue that likely needs to find a resolution soon, as the offseason program only gets more important with every passing day. 

Even from the top of the Steelers' organization, it is a confusing topic that doesn't have a straightforward answer. Thomas Tull, a minority owner, even spoke on how the Rodgers situation is more difficult to understand than AI. If the team's ownership can't figure it out, how are any of us supposed to? 

Do you think that Will Howard comes in with an NFL ready skill set? Let us know in the comments below!

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