In a stunning twist to the 2025 college football recruiting cycle, 5-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from Ohio State and announced his decision to flip to Florida State University. The news sent shockwaves across the college football world on Sunday morning, as Howard had long been considered a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ top-ranked class. Instead, he now becomes the prized addition to Mike Norvell’s rising program in Tallahassee, choosing the Seminoles over other elite contenders, including Alabama and South Carolina.
Howard, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback out of Phoenix, Arizona, is widely regarded as one of the top dual-threat QBs in the 2025 class. Known for his arm strength, pocket presence, and mobility, Howard combines elite mechanics with high football IQ. He has drawn comparisons to NFL-caliber quarterbacks and was seen as a potential day-one starter for any top-tier program.
His initial commitment to Ohio State last fall was considered a significant win for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. However, sources close to Howard suggest that a combination of coaching instability at the quarterback position and the emergence of depth chart competition prompted him to reevaluate his options.
Enter Florida State.
The Seminoles, who are coming off back-to-back 10+ win seasons and a return to national relevance, have been aggressively pursuing elite talent on the recruiting trail. Head coach Mike Norvell and offensive coordinator Alex Atkins reportedly made Howard their No. 1 quarterback target and maintained consistent communication with him throughout the spring.
That persistence has paid off in a major way.
Howard’s flip is not only a blow to Ohio State’s recruiting class but also a statement victory for Florida State, which beat out two other SEC powerhouses — Alabama and South Carolina — to secure his commitment. The Tide made a late push for Howard, with Nick Saban’s successor aiming to maintain Alabama’s elite QB pipeline. South Carolina, meanwhile, had offered a clearer path to early playing time under Shane Beamer.
But in the end, Howard cited Florida State’s offensive scheme, the coaching staff’s vision, and the opportunity to be a centerpiece of a rising program as the main factors in his decision.
“This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I feel like Florida State is where I’m meant to be,” Howard said in a social media post. “Coach Norvell believes in me, and I believe in what they’re building in Tallahassee.”
Howard’s commitment instantly boosts FSU’s 2025 class into the national spotlight and signals that the Seminoles are not just back — they’re here to compete at the highest level again.
