Top 5-Star Quarterback Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Flips Commitment to Florida State Over Bulldogs and Alabama.
In a stunning development in the world of college football recruiting, Will Howard, one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, has officially decommitted from Ohio State and flipped his commitment to Florida State. Howard’s decision has sent shockwaves through the college football world, as he was once considered a cornerstone of Ohio State’s future quarterback plans. The highly sought-after signal caller had been committed to the Buckeyes for several months, but after careful consideration, he has decided to take his talents to Tallahassee, choosing the Seminoles over offers from powerhouse programs like Georgia and Alabama.
A Historic Flip in Recruiting
Will Howard’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Florida State is one of the most notable moves in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Howard, who had long been regarded as a player capable of leading a college offense for the next several years, had been a coveted recruit since his sophomore year of high school. His commitment to Ohio State initially seemed like a fait accompli, with the Buckeyes positioned as one of the top contenders for the national championship year after year.
However, Florida State’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Norvell, worked tirelessly to convince Howard to reconsider his future. Howard, known for his exceptional arm strength, field awareness, and ability to make plays under pressure, was clearly drawn to the opportunity presented by the Seminoles’ program. FSU has made significant strides under Norvell, especially on offense, and Howard’s commitment signals a major step in the program’s pursuit of elite talent to return to national prominence.
The recruitment of Howard was anything but straightforward. Georgia and Alabama were both in the mix for the 6’4″, 220-pound quarterback’s services, and it was widely believed that either the Bulldogs or the Crimson Tide had a legitimate shot at flipping Howard from Ohio State. Alabama, in particular, has been known for developing top-tier quarterbacks under head coach Nick Saban, while Georgia’s recent success, including winning the 2022 and 2023 national championships, made them a formidable contender. Despite the fierce competition, Howard ultimately chose Florida State, citing the family atmosphere and the vision the coaching staff shared for his role in the program’s future.
The Seminoles’ Rising Trajectory
Florida State’s football program has made a remarkable resurgence in recent years, and Howard’s commitment serves as another example of the program’s growth under Norvell. After struggling for several seasons, the Seminoles have become a force to be reckoned with in the ACC and on the national stage. With an exciting and dynamic offense that saw quarterback Jordan Travis lead the team to new heights, FSU has positioned itself as a serious contender in the recruiting battles for top talent.
The addition of Will Howard, who is ranked among the best quarterbacks in the country, only strengthens Florida State’s chances of continuing to compete at the highest levels. Howard’s ability to read defenses, his poise in the pocket, and his raw physical talent make him an ideal fit for Norvell’s offensive system, which has seen great success in developing quarterbacks. The Seminoles have the pieces in place to build an offense around Howard that could elevate them to new heights in the coming years.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Setback
For Ohio State, this decommitment represents a significant setback. The Buckeyes had spent months building a relationship with Howard, and his commitment was seen as a key part of their future at the quarterback position. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has long been known for developing elite quarterbacks, and the addition of Howard was expected to continue that tradition. Losing Howard to another program, especially one that was not widely considered a national recruiting juggernaut, is a blow to Ohio State’s recruiting efforts, though the program remains one of the top destinations for high school talent.
While the loss of Howard is a tough pill to swallow, Ohio State will undoubtedly pivot quickly, focusing on other highly-rated quarterbacks in the 2025 class to ensure they remain competitive in the recruiting race. As the Buckeyes continue to recruit at an elite level, they will undoubtedly be able to recover from this setback and find another top-tier signal caller to lead their offense in the future.
The Impact on the National Landscape
Howard’s decision to commit to Florida State could have long-term implications for the national recruiting landscape. The Seminoles’ success in landing one of the top quarterbacks in the country puts them on the map as a serious player in future recruiting battles. With Alabama and Georgia’s recruiting dominance, the rise of Florida State could shake up the pecking order in the SEC and ACC, offering a new rival for the top programs in the nation.
As for Will Howard, his decision marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football career. His time at Florida State will be watched closely, as many expect him to compete for the starting quarterback job from day one. With the Seminoles’ trajectory trending upward, Howard could be the player who helps them reach new heights in college football.
