As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for a crucial matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions next week, all eyes are on quarterback Will Howard, who is stirring excitement—and a bit of controversy—with his bold comments. Following a gritty 21-17 win over Nebraska on Saturday, Howard reflected on his personal connection to Penn State and his journey to Ohio State, adding a layer of intrigue to the upcoming game.
“I cannot wait. It’s gonna be a homecoming for me. I grew up a Penn State fan. I wanted to go there my whole life. They didn’t think I was good enough. I guess we’ll see next week if I was,” Howard said during his postgame press conference. His remarks, delivered with a mix of nostalgia and competitive spirit, underscore the personal stakes involved as he faces a team that once passed him over during the recruiting process.
A native of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Howard transferred to Ohio State this offseason after a successful four-year tenure at Kansas State, where he was instrumental in leading the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship in 2022. Despite his accolades, Howard was an under-the-radar, three-star prospect in high school, with offers primarily from schools like Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, and Rutgers. His determination to prove himself—especially against a team he once idolized—adds a compelling narrative to the showdown.
So far this season, Howard has demonstrated his effectiveness, throwing for 1,795 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. While he may not yet be seen as one of college football’s elite quarterbacks, his steady performance has helped propel the Buckeyes to a 6-1 record. As he prepares to enter Beaver Stadium—a venue notorious for its deafening atmosphere—his ability to handle pressure will be under scrutiny.
The significance of this game is magnified by the attendance of former President Donald Trump, who has confirmed he will be in the stands. Trump’s presence adds a unique element to the matchup, drawing attention from not just sports fans but political observers as well. Known for his passionate support of college football, Trump’s appearance is expected to bring heightened media scrutiny and a larger-than-life atmosphere to the already intense rivalry.
The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions have a storied history, and this year’s contest promises to be one of the most pivotal in the Big Ten. Penn State, a historically strong program, will be looking to defend its home turf against an Ohio State team eager to solidify its position in the conference and bolster its playoff hopes. Howard’s comments resonate not just with his personal narrative but also with the broader themes of rivalry and redemption.
As kickoff approaches, anticipation mounts regarding Howard’s performance in front of a raucous crowd, especially given his connection to the state and the program. For Ohio State, a victory over Penn State would be crucial for their championship aspirations. For Howard, it’s a chance to showcase his skills on a grand stage and to prove that he belongs among college football’s elite.
The narrative surrounding this game will continue to evolve as both teams prepare for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. Will Howard’s confidence translate into a standout performance against the team that once overlooked him? And how will the atmosphere shift with Trump’s presence? As game day nears, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both the Buckeyes and their quarterback, setting the stage for a memorable clash in Pennsylvania.
