In a stunning turn of events on the college football recruiting trail, 5-star quarterback Will Howard has officially flipped his commitment from the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Tennessee Volunteers, sending shockwaves throughout the college football world. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound signal-caller had been a cornerstone commit for Ohio State’s 2025 class, but after weeks of speculation and increased interest from SEC powerhouses, Howard made the decision to take his talents to Knoxville.
Howard, widely considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class, made his announcement on social media Monday morning, thanking the Buckeye coaching staff for their support but expressing his excitement about the future with Tennessee. “After a lot of thought, prayer, and discussions with my family, I have decided to flip my commitment to the University of Tennessee,” Howard wrote. “I’m beyond excited to join the Vol Nation and compete in the best conference in college football. Go Vols!”
The decision marks a major recruiting victory for head coach Josh Heupel, who has been steadily building Tennessee into an SEC contender with a potent offense and an aggressive recruiting strategy. Known for developing quarterbacks and running an up-tempo, high-scoring offense, Heupel made Howard a top priority following his decommitment rumors in early spring.
Howard reportedly chose Tennessee over serious pushes from the Kentucky Wildcats and the Florida State Seminoles, both of whom hosted him for official visits over the past month. However, it was the Volunteers’ vision, offensive system, and growing national profile that ultimately sealed the deal.
At 6’4″, Howard boasts elite size, a powerful arm, and the mobility to extend plays—traits that have drawn comparisons to former NFL quarterbacks like Josh Allen. In his junior season at Downingtown West High School (PA), he threw for over 3,000 yards with 35 touchdowns and just five interceptions, while adding another 600 yards and 10 scores on the ground.
Tennessee fans have every reason to be excited, as Howard is expected to compete for early playing time and potentially become the face of the program. With the addition of Howard, Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class now vaults into the top five nationally, cementing Heupel’s reputation as a top recruiter and program builder.
