Breaking News: 5-Star Quarterback Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Chooses Baylor Bears Over Alabama and Georgia
In a monumental shift in the 2025 college football recruiting landscape, 5-star quarterback Will Howard, standing 6’4″ and weighing 236 pounds, has officially decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and announced his decision to join the Baylor Bears. Howard, widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the class, chose Baylor over powerhouse programs like the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs in what has sent shockwaves through the recruiting world.
The highly coveted prospect, who had been committed to Ohio State since early in his recruitment process, shocked many when he made the decision to flip to Baylor earlier today. Howard, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, shared his commitment on social media, expressing his excitement about joining the Bears program.
“I am incredibly thankful for the support Ohio State has shown me throughout my recruitment process, but after a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to commit to Baylor University,” Howard said in his announcement. “This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of something special at Baylor, and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to representing the Bears and taking my game to the next level.”
Howard’s commitment to Baylor is a massive victory for head coach Dave Aranda and the Bears, who have been steadily building a competitive program under Aranda’s leadership. The Bears had quietly been making a move in the recruiting world, and landing a player of Howard’s caliber is a huge statement about the future direction of the program.
For Baylor, securing Howard represents not just a boost to their offense but a major recruiting win over programs like Alabama and Georgia, both of which had been heavily involved in the pursuit of the 5-star signal caller. The Crimson Tide, under legendary head coach Nick Saban, have been a perennial powerhouse, and Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, has been dominant in the SEC and a national championship contender for the past few seasons. Despite their storied histories and national appeal, Howard chose to take his talents to Waco, Texas, opting to play for a Baylor program on the rise.
The Bears had emphasized the opportunity for Howard to make an immediate impact and become the centerpiece of their offense. Baylor’s recent success, including their Big 12 Championship and strong bowl performances, highlighted the program’s potential for continued success, and Howard’s commitment will only serve to elevate that trajectory. The chance to play in a high-powered offense, with the opportunity to develop under a coaching staff that values player growth and leadership, played a key role in Howard’s decision.
Baylor’s head coach, Dave Aranda, reacted to the announcement with enthusiasm, calling Howard a “transformative talent.” “Will is a special player with an incredible future ahead of him, and we are absolutely thrilled that he’s chosen Baylor,” Aranda said. “We know he will be a game-changer for us and a leader in our program for years to come. He has all the tools to succeed at the highest level, and we’re excited to help him reach his full potential.”
Howard’s decision is a big statement for Baylor’s program, signaling their rise as a serious contender in both the Big 12 and nationally. With Howard under center, the Bears will now have one of the most promising quarterbacks in the nation to build around.
As the college football world processes this stunning development, Baylor fans are understandably excited about the future. With Howard’s commitment, the Bears have positioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons, and the excitement surrounding the program has never been higher.
Welcome to the Baylor Bears, Will Howard! The future is looking incredibly bright in Waco.
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