The Steelers have signed the quarter-Arrière Will Howard, the sixth round of the team, to a four-year contract. Howard, who played Ohio State, was selected with the 185th choice in total.
“Obviously, we are really delighted to add a will to our quarter room,” said offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. “Really impressive CV, as I got to know Will during this process. Obviously, he played a lot of big games, and when I had the chance to meet him and spend time with him in his professional day, we left even more impressed by the person who Will Howard is.
“We are simply delighted that we can add to our quarter room and the opportunity to work with him.”
Howard had to wait a few days to get the phone call that he was drafted, but it was worth waiting for him.
“It is not when, that’s where,” said Howard, who comes from Downingtown, Pennsylvania. “I had to trust God and believe that he had a plan for me and the right team was going to choose me. And I think 100% the right team chose me. I am a kid from Pennsylvania.
“Steelers are an organization, I have a lot of respect for many years. Upon entering this process, I hoped that the Steelers would take me because I thought it was a big organization. I am so blessed.
“I could not be more excited to be with an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Howard spent a season to play for Buckeyes after starting his university career in Kansas State. He appeared in a total of 50 games in his university career, completing 767 of the 1,202 assists, 63.8%, for 9,796 yards, 83 affected and 10 interceptions.
Howard started 16 games for Buckeyes, leading them to a school record 14 victories and the National Championship of University Football qualifiers. He completed 309 of the 423 assists for 4,010 yards and 35 affected. His percentage of completion was a career and school record, also establishing an Ohio State record with eight games with at least one percentage of 80%completion.
Among the honors won by Howard in 2024, there was the most useful player in victory against Texas in Cotton Bowl and victory against Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship.
Howard began his university career in 2020 in Kansas State and in four seasons appeared in 34 games. He completed 458 of the 779 assists for 5,786 yards and 48 affected.
He led the Wildcats to the Big 12 title in 2022, including a victory over Texas Christian during the Big 12 championship match. His 48 Touché passes set a record for the state of Kansas and he equaled the record for a single season with 24 passes of hit in 2023.
