Good News: NFL Legend’s Rising Star, QB Will Howard, Commits to Notre Dame Over Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia
In a stunning and exciting turn of events, Notre Dame has secured one of the most coveted quarterbacks in college football recruiting—Will Howard. The 6’5″, 225-pound rising star from Kansas, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, has officially committed to join the Fighting Irish, bypassing powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia, who had all heavily pursued him.
Howard’s commitment is a major win for Notre Dame football, one that sets the stage for a new era under head coach Marcus Freeman. This move not only strengthens the team’s future but also sends a clear message about the program’s rising prominence on the national stage.
A Special Talent
Will Howard’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. Throughout his high school career, he showcased exceptional talent, leadership, and poise on the field. As the starting quarterback at his school, he was known for his strong arm, precise passing, and impressive ability to read defenses. He earned a reputation for keeping calm under pressure and delivering in clutch moments.
What sets Howard apart, though, is his versatility. While he has the frame and arm strength typical of pro-style quarterbacks, he also displays mobility and the ability to extend plays, making him a dual-threat in the truest sense. Scouts and analysts have raved about his ability to make every throw in the playbook and his capability to excel in both short-range accuracy and deep-ball precision.
In his senior year, Howard posted eye-popping numbers, including over 3,500 yards passing, 35 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. His athleticism and leadership helped guide his high school team to multiple state championships, cementing his status as one of the top recruits of the cycle.
The Recruitment Saga
Will Howard’s recruitment became one of the most closely watched stories in college football, as some of the sport’s elite programs lined up to woo him. Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day, was particularly aggressive in its pursuit of Howard, knowing that the Buckeyes were looking to continue their dominance at the quarterback position. Alabama, under Nick Saban, and Georgia, with Kirby Smart at the helm, also left no stone unturned in their efforts to lure the star quarterback to their respective campuses.
However, despite the tremendous offers from some of college football’s powerhouses, Howard made it clear that his decision would come down to the fit and the long-term vision of the program. That’s where Notre Dame stood out. Under Freeman, the Fighting Irish have embraced an offense that maximizes the strengths of quarterbacks like Howard. Freeman’s philosophy of a balanced attack that utilizes both the ground and the air, with a heavy emphasis on quarterback development, perfectly aligned with Howard’s skillset.
Why Notre Dame?
The decision to choose Notre Dame over some of the sport’s elite programs is a testament to both Howard’s personal values and the rising stature of the Notre Dame football program. For Howard, the commitment was not just about playing for a prestigious program but also about being a part of a team that would allow him to thrive both on and off the field.
Notre Dame has built a tradition of success over decades, with a unique blend of academics, athletics, and a storied history of developing NFL talent. The Fighting Irish have produced top-tier quarterbacks like Joe Montana, Brady Quinn, and more recently, Ian Book. With Freeman at the helm, Howard has the opportunity to join a coach that is both driven and passionate about the future of the program, providing him with the perfect platform to make an immediate impact.
Additionally, Howard has expressed a strong desire to play in a system where he can make a difference early on. He values a program with a winning culture, but also one that will support his personal growth and development as a player and person. Freeman’s commitment to both player development and overall team success made Notre Dame the ideal choice for Howard’s future.
What’s Next for Notre Dame?
The commitment of Will Howard to Notre Dame is a monumental moment for the program. With Howard’s elite talent, the Fighting Irish now have a legitimate star quarterback for the future—something the program has been in search of for several years. His arrival, combined with the potential of other top recruits in the pipeline, could set Notre Dame up for a return to national prominence in the years to come.
While it’s still early to project how Howard’s college career will unfold, the possibilities are limitless. With a strong supporting cast and a coach who believes in him, Will Howard’s decision to commit to Notre Dame might just be the spark that reignites the Fighting Irish’s quest for another national championship.
As the 2025 season draws closer, fans are eagerly awaiting Howard’s arrival in South Bend. The future of Notre Dame football is looking brighter than ever with this rising star on board.
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