Two Ohio State Buckeyes Transfers Shed Black Stripes

Quarterback Will Howard and offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin are now official members of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Will Howard and Seth McLaughlin are now officially members of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The two transfers both lost their black stripes on Saturday following an open practice. Both Howard and McLaughlin are projected to be among the 11 players on the Buckeyes' starting lineup this coming season.

Howard came to Ohio State following four seasons with the Kansas State Wildcats. The Downingtown, Pennsylvania native threw for more than 5,700 yards over that time and compiled a 48:25 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Four other quarterbacks are in contention to become the Buckeyes' starter along with Howard. Junior Devin Brown, sophomore Lincoln Kienholz, and true freshmen Air Noland and Julian Sayin will each be competing to get the nod from head coach Ryan Day instead of the graduate ex-Wildcat.

McLaughlin finds himself in a similar position to Howard: being one of several players up to fill a couple of spots on the starting offensive line. The transferring of Jakob James (now with the Toledo Rockets) and the entrance of Matthew Jones into the 2024 NFL Draft have left holes in the O-line.

While playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide under now-retired head coach Nick Saban, the graduate helped his team rush for 177 yards against Arkansas (along with 238 passing yards), 223 yards against Middle Tennessee and a season-high 303 yards against LSU. McLaughlin also served as the Crimson Tide's starting center last season, a position he looks to earn this year for the Scarlet and Gray.

Both Howard and McLaughlin will play in Ohio Stadium for the first time on Saturday, April 13 in the 2024 Ohio State Spring Game. Kick-off for the annual scrimmage is scheduled for noon ET, with live coverage airing nationally on FOX.