Deal Confirmed: Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Flips to LSU but Promises to Return
In a stunning and unexpected twist in the college football recruiting world, Will Howard, a highly sought-after quarterback prospect, has announced that he will decommit from Ohio State University and instead commit to Louisiana State University (LSU). However, Howard, who had been a key part of Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class, clarified that this decision is not final. He has promised that he may return to the Buckeyes at a later point, adding an intriguing layer of uncertainty to the drama surrounding his recruitment.
The Ohio State Commitment
Initially, Howard had been a highly-rated commitment to Ohio State, one of the nation’s premier football programs. With a strong, accurate arm and impressive mobility in the pocket, Howard was considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 class. His commitment to Ohio State came after months of close evaluations and discussions with the coaching staff. The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense, coupled with their consistent ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks, seemed to be a perfect match for Howard’s talents.
However, in the midst of his senior season, reports began to surface that Howard had been in communication with other programs, most notably LSU. Speculation mounted that he was reconsidering his future, and tensions grew as more and more experts predicted a flip in his recruitment.
The LSU Flip
The announcement came as a shock to many, with Howard confirming his commitment to LSU. The Tigers, led by head coach Brian Kelly, have made significant strides in building one of the strongest football programs in the Southeastern Conference. LSU has consistently been a powerhouse in college football, and Howard’s decision to flip his commitment to Baton Rouge adds to an already impressive recruiting class.
The LSU coaching staff was quick to express their excitement, praising Howard’s skillset and leadership potential. LSU has long been a destination for top quarterbacks, and Howard’s addition could help solidify the program’s future. His dual-threat abilities will likely blend seamlessly with LSU’s offensive scheme, which often utilizes quarterbacks with both passing and running capabilities.
The Promise to Return to Ohio State
While the LSU commitment may appear to be a definitive change, Howard has made it clear that his journey may not end in Baton Rouge. In a statement, he expressed deep gratitude to Ohio State and emphasized that he wasn’t ruling out a potential return to the program in the future. This has raised eyebrows across the college football community, as decommitments usually signal a clear decision to move on from a program.
Howard’s promise to return seems to be more of a nod to the possibility of transferring back to Ohio State at some point. The NCAA’s transfer portal system has made it easier for players to change schools without losing eligibility, and Howard’s open-ended statement suggests that he may be keeping his options open. His relationship with Ohio State’s coaching staff and the program’s success could make a return plausible if his future at LSU doesn’t unfold as expected.
What’s Next?
For now, the focus shifts to Howard’s future at LSU. As a highly-touted prospect, he will be under intense scrutiny throughout his time with the Tigers. His decision to leave Ohio State for LSU will be heavily analyzed, especially if he eventually returns to Ohio State. For the Buckeyes, this flip represents a major loss, but the potential for a return keeps the door slightly ajar. Meanwhile, LSU gains a dynamic quarterback with immense upside.
As the 2024 recruiting class continues to evolve, Will Howard’s commitment saga will likely remain a topic of intrigue for both Ohio State and LSU fans. The promise to return adds an unexpected twist, keeping all parties on edge as they await the next chapter in his recruitment saga.
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