Breaking News: Ohio State QB Will Howard Flips Commitment to Notre Dame Over Texas, Georgia, and LSU Tigers
In a stunning turn of events, Ohio State quarterback commit Will Howard has announced that he is flipping his commitment to Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish over a list of powerhouse schools, including Texas, Georgia, and LSU. The decision has sent shockwaves through college football recruiting circles, as Howard had been one of the most highly coveted quarterbacks in the 2025 class.
Howard, a standout signal-caller from the Midwest, had originally pledged to Ohio State in 2024, joining the ranks of an elite class that was expected to compete for national championships. However, after months of re-evaluating his options and considering offers from top-tier programs across the country, Howard made the surprise decision to commit to Notre Dame on Sunday afternoon, confirming the news via social media and interviews with major recruiting outlets.
A Shocking Decision
Howard’s flip is nothing short of a bombshell in the recruiting world. With his previous commitment to Ohio State, many believed that Howard was locked in to play for the Buckeyes, particularly after the program’s success under head coach Ryan Day and the QB-friendly environment at Ohio State. However, in recent months, it became clear that Howard was keeping an open mind, especially as some of college football’s biggest programs made their interest known.
Texas, Georgia, and LSU were among the schools that made significant pushes to land Howard. Each of these programs had a compelling case to make. Texas, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, has emerged as a national contender, with the Longhorns showing significant progress in their offensive game plan. The Georgia Bulldogs, under Kirby Smart, have been a dominant force in college football, winning national championships and producing NFL-caliber talent year after year. Meanwhile, LSU, with Brian Kelly at the helm, has a rich tradition of developing top quarterbacks and competing at the highest level in the SEC.
Despite these attractive offers, Howard ultimately chose Notre Dame, a school with a rich football history but one that has recently struggled to break through to the highest levels of college football. The Fighting Irish have remained a consistent contender under head coach Marcus Freeman but have yet to win a national title since the 1980s. However, the program’s tradition, academics, and the opportunity to lead a program with such a storied legacy seem to have played a major role in Howard’s decision.
Why Notre Dame?
While many were surprised by the decision, it appears that Howard was drawn to several factors that Notre Dame offered. First, the Fighting Irish have long prided themselves on being one of the best academic institutions in the country. Howard, a student-athlete with a strong academic background, may have been enticed by the idea of playing for a program that balances both elite athletics and world-class education.
Secondly, Howard will have the opportunity to step in and make an immediate impact at quarterback. Notre Dame’s current quarterback situation is still in flux, with a few candidates vying for the starting job. By committing to the Fighting Irish, Howard could position himself to lead the offense early in his career, a prospect that undoubtedly appeals to the highly ambitious signal-caller.
Another factor that likely weighed into Howard’s decision is the coaching staff. Under Freeman, Notre Dame has shown a commitment to developing talent, particularly at the quarterback position. The addition of new offensive coordinator Gerad Parker, a coach with deep ties to the SEC and an aggressive, modern offensive system, likely helped sell Howard on the future vision for Notre Dame’s offense.
The Impact of Howard’s Commitment
Howard’s commitment to Notre Dame is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, it solidifies Notre Dame’s quarterback position for the future. With the program’s strong recruiting class and a potential star under center, the Fighting Irish are well-positioned to continue their upward trajectory in college football. Howard’s decision is a massive win for Freeman, who has been working tirelessly to build a championship-caliber program.
Additionally, Howard’s flip is a major blow to the recruiting efforts of Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, and LSU. Each of these programs had worked diligently to recruit Howard, knowing that adding a quarterback of his caliber could be a game-changer. Howard’s decision to spurn these programs, some of the most successful and talented in college football, will leave a void in their 2025 quarterback classes and could alter the dynamics of recruiting in the coming months.
Ohio State, in particular, will have to reevaluate its quarterback situation and may now turn its attention to other top targets. The Buckeyes are known for their prolific offense and high-powered passing game, so losing Howard could leave them in search of another star signal-caller to lead their offense in the future.
Meanwhile, programs like Texas, Georgia, and LSU will likely shift their focus toward other top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, hoping to land the next big star. The ripple effect of Howard’s flip will undoubtedly be felt across the entire landscape of college football recruiting.
A Bright Future Ahead
For Will Howard, the decision to flip his commitment to Notre Dame marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his football career. With his arm strength, athleticism, and leadership qualities, Howard is expected to make an immediate impact when he arrives on campus. The Fighting Irish, now armed with one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, will look to build on their recent successes and challenge for national titles in the coming years.
Howard’s commitment also signals that Notre Dame is not only a place where elite talent can flourish, but it is also a place where players can make their mark in a historic program. The future looks incredibly bright for the Fighting Irish, and with a quarterback like Will Howard at the helm, their title hopes have never seemed more realistic.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover Howard’s journey to Notre Dame and the ever-evolving world of college football recruiting.
