Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard comes to Columbus with plenty of weapons. While the Buckeyes are keeping star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, they are also acquiring the best wide receiver in the 2024 class, Jerimiah Smith.

Ole Miss transfer running back Quinshon Judkins will also play a role in the passing game along with senior TreyVeyon Henderson. Both players have the ability to make plays after catching passes with their speed and agility in the open field.

Howard was officially named starting quarterback yesterday and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly explained why Howard earned this role with the Buckeyes.

“It’s not just about who has the strongest arm,” Kelly told the media on Friday. “Decision-making has always been at the top of the list. Then comes repetition accuracy. And then athleticism. I think Will has all three.”

Chip Kelly has three keys to being a QB1:
– Decision making
– Repeatability
– Athletics

He says Will Howard has all three. #horsechestnuts pic.twitter.com/XTpul28baX

— Nicole Shearin (@NicoleShearintv) 15 August 2024

Although Kelly’s offenses have historically been run-heavy, he has experience dealing with talented quarterbacks. At Oregon, he worked with Marcus Mariota, who eventually won the Heisman Trophy in 2014. He also spent time with Michael Vick and Nick Foles during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Having plenty of weapons on offense brings a lot of pressure, so it will be interesting to see how Howard works in Ohio State’s offense. The Buckeyes host homegrown opponent Akron at Ohio Stadium on August 31.