Ohio State QB Will Howard Among Early Favorites for 2024 Heisman
The Ohio State Buckeyes are saying bye to one Heisman finalist as Marvin Harrison Jr. departs for the NFL, but they've already reloaded with elite talent that's capable of bringing the prestigious award back to Columbus next season.
The Buckeyes dug into the transfer portal and struck gold with arguably the two most-talented players available. Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins and Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs have highlighted a monster haul by coach Ryan Day and staff.
This pair could put Ohio State back in the Heisman talk quickly. Incoming five-star freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith could be in the legitimate Heisman conversation in the next few seasons as well.
© Scott Wachter, USA TODAY
All the roster hype has understandably taken some attention away from one of Ohio State's biggest questions once the season ended: the quarterback position. Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse and Devin Brown hasn't yet proved the ability to lead an elite program.
So in stepped in Kansas State transfer Will Howard. Instead of Judkins or Downs, it's the new QB1 that's among the early favorites for the 2024 Heisman.
Per FanDuel, Howard is tied for the fourth-best odds (+1200) to win the award with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. Texas' Quinn Ewers, Georgia's Carson Beck and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel are the quarterbacks that came in 1-3, respectively.
Of course, the Heisman is often seen as a quarterback's award, giving Howard an upperhand over his star-studded teammates. However, he proved at K-State he's got unique talent of his own.
Howard helped lead K-State to a Big 12 title and an appearance in the Sugar Bowl last season before posting career-best numbers in 2023. He finished this season 219 of 357 passing for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while adding 81 carries for 351 yards, nine rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Talk about doing it all.
Numbers like this could now be amplified considering the talent surrounding him. Add in a potential Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth, Howard would have a Heisman-worthy resume.
