GOOD NEWS: NFL Legend’s Rising Star, QB Will Howard, Commits to Texas Tech Over Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia
Lubbock, TX — In a recruiting shocker that has sent tremors across the college football landscape, five-star quarterback Will Howard — son of former NFL MVP and Hall of Famer Damien Howard — has officially committed to Texas Tech University, turning down powerhouse offers from Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia.
Howard, widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, announced his decision live on ESPN’s “College Football Today,” pulling a crimson-and-black Texas Tech hat from beneath the table to the roar of an ecstatic Red Raiders fan base.
“Lubbock felt like home from the start,” Howard said with a smile. “The coaching staff believes in me, the system fits my style, and I want to build something — not just join something already built.”
A Star with NFL Pedigree
Will Howard’s name has been in the spotlight since middle school — not just for his famous last name, but for his uncanny blend of size, arm strength, and mobility. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he’s drawn comparisons to both Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes — the latter a Texas Tech legend himself.
Over his senior season at IMG Academy, Howard threw for 3,902 yards and 42 touchdowns while rushing for another 11 scores. Scouts praised not just his physical tools but his poise and intelligence — both traits attributed to growing up around the NFL.
His father, Damien Howard, played 13 seasons in the NFL as a franchise quarterback for the Denver Broncos, winning league MVP in 2007 and a Super Bowl in 2008. Despite the expectations that came with that legacy, Will has carved out his own identity.
“I’m not trying to be my dad,” Will said. “He’s one of the greats — I respect that. But I’m writing my own story. And it starts in Lubbock.”
A Recruiting Earthquake
Howard’s commitment is being heralded as one of the biggest recruiting wins in Texas Tech football history. The Red Raiders beat out three of the sport’s biggest brands — programs that have dominated the College Football Playoff era — by offering something different: the chance to lead a renaissance.
Second-year head coach Zac Kittley has spearheaded a rebuild centered around fast-paced, quarterback-driven offense. Howard’s skill set fits that mold perfectly.
“This is a game-changer,” Kittley said. “Will is a generational talent. He has the mentality, leadership, and fire we want to build this program around. We’re not just excited — we’re ready.”
The Mahomes Effect
There’s no ignoring the Mahomes connection here. Patrick Mahomes, who starred at Texas Tech before becoming an NFL superstar and Super Bowl MVP, remains a vocal supporter of his alma mater — and reportedly spoke with Howard during the decision process.
Sources close to the recruitment suggest that Mahomes shared advice and insight on the Tech culture and what it means to lead in Lubbock.
“I’ve always looked up to Mahomes,” Howard said. “He made Texas Tech his platform — and I want to do the same.”
A New Era Begins
Howard’s decision has electrified Texas Tech’s fan base. Within minutes of the announcement, Red Raider social media pages lit up with highlights, fan art, and welcome videos. The hashtag #HowardToLubbock trended nationwide.
The commitment could also have a ripple effect across recruiting, as several top offensive weapons in the 2025 class have expressed interest in joining Howard in West Texas.
For a program that hasn’t been in the national championship conversation in over a decade, the tide may finally be turning.
“This isn’t just about football,” Howard said as he wrapped up the announcement. “It’s about making history.”
And for Texas Tech, history may have just begun.
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