Kirk Herbstreit, one of college football’s most respected analysts, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. Recently, the former Ohio State quarterback shared his candid thoughts on Will Howard, the current star of Ohio State’s quarterback room, and his potential future in the NFL. Herbstreit’s comments have sent ripples through the college football world, as many fans and analysts alike are questioning whether Howard has what it takes to make it at the next level.
Will Howard is a name that has risen in prominence over the past few years at Ohio State, a program known for developing elite quarterbacks. With a solid collegiate career under his belt, Howard has been widely regarded as one of the top talents at the quarterback position. His impressive stats and ability to lead the Buckeyes offense have sparked conversations about his potential future in the NFL.
However, Herbstreit’s perspective on Howard’s prospects tells a different story, one that has left many in the football community concerned. During a recent broadcast, Herbstreit expressed skepticism about Howard’s readiness for the NFL, highlighting areas of his game that may limit his future success at the professional level.
“Will Howard is a talented quarterback, no doubt about it,” Herbstreit began. “But when you look at the NFL, the game is played at a much faster pace, and the level of competition is unlike anything he has faced in college. Howard has shown flashes of greatness, but there are still significant concerns that need to be addressed if he wants to be successful in the pros.”
One of the key concerns Herbstreit mentioned is Howard’s consistency. While he has had standout performances, there have been games where his accuracy and decision-making have been questioned. In the NFL, where every mistake is magnified, this inconsistency could become a major liability. Herbstreit noted that NFL teams are looking for quarterbacks who can perform at a high level week in and week out, something Howard has yet to prove over a full season.
Another point Herbstreit raised is Howard’s ability to handle pressure. At Ohio State, he has often been the focal point of the offense, but in the NFL, quarterbacks face an entirely different level of scrutiny. Herbstreit pointed out that Howard’s composure in high-pressure situations will be tested more than ever as he faces defensive units that can create chaos on every play. The ability to stay calm and make quick decisions under duress is crucial, and this is an area where Howard’s development could prove to be a sticking point.
Herbstreit also discussed Howard’s mechanics, which, while solid, still require refinement. At the NFL level, even the smallest flaw in a quarterback’s mechanics can be the difference between a successful throw and a turnover. Herbstreit emphasized that Howard’s footwork and throwing motion would need to be fine-tuned if he hopes to make it at the next level.
Despite these concerns, Herbstreit acknowledged that Howard still has time to improve and develop. “There’s no doubt that Will Howard has the talent to play at the next level,” Herbstreit said. “But he needs to work on the mental aspects of the game, tighten up his mechanics, and prove that he can consistently deliver under pressure.”
As the NFL draft approaches, all eyes will be on Howard and his potential to make the leap from college football to the pros. Herbstreit’s comments have sparked a conversation about whether Howard is ready for the big stage or if he still has work to do before he can claim a spot in the NFL. Whether or not he rises to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Howard’s journey to the NFL will be closely watched, and the stakes could not be higher.
