When questioned about some of the criticisms surrounding his NFL Scouting Combine performance, Ohio State QB Will Howard shifted the blame to Michigan fans, accusing them of fueling the narrative:
Rather than owning up to the criticism surrounding his NFL Scouting Combine performance, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard is shifting the blame to Michigan fans.
Following a shaky showing in Indianapolis — where he missed multiple throws and left scouts with at least a few valid questions — Howard brushed off the backlash, claiming the Wolverine faithful were the ones exaggerating his struggles.
“I thought I did pretty well, I think it was like Team Up North fans blowing it out of proportion”
Loved this –
Will Howard said he got really good feedback from teams after the combine.
The narrative about him having a bad Combine was odd after he missed just a couple throws: pic.twitter.com/OfXLk9AqQS
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) March 27, 2025
“The combine — obviously there were some things said about it afterwards, but I thought I did pretty well,” Howard said. “I think, really, it was Team Up North’s fans blowing it out of proportion. I missed two throws, obviously, but other guys did, too. It’s definitely better being here in this building with my guys (at OSU’s Pro Day). You’re more comfortable, but you always want to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.
“I wasn’t mad about it. I thought I did well at the combine and I got good feedback from people except pretty much the media. It is what it is, it’s part of it.”
Rough start for Will Howard
pic.twitter.com/ZCz6G6lXvh— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) March 1, 2025
Howard’s comments come after a roller coaster season in Columbus, one that included a national championship run but also a humiliating 13-10 loss to an unranked Michigan team that barely had a passing attack. Howard struggled mightily against the Wolverines, throwing two interceptions and completing just 57.6 percent of his passes — both season lows. Ohio State was a 20.5-point favorite in the game.
In other words, It’s no surprise the noise from Michigan’s fanbase would echo the loudest to the former Buckeye quarterback.
As for Howard’s suspicions? This wouldn’t be anything unusual, as J.J. McCarthy faced similar criticism from rival fanbases for missed throws during an otherwise perfect combine performance in 2024.
JJ McCarthy Combine Highlights pic.twitter.com/sIBGjzQKyZ
— ‘Maine Enthusiast (@BDFITL) March 3, 2024
The good news for Howard is he put together a stronger performance at Ohio State’s Pro Day, which may have helped ease some concerns for NFL scouts. However, he’d be better off leaving the Michigan excuses behind when heading into team interviews.
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24 and continues through April 26. Current projections have Howard landing somewhere between the third and fifth rounds.