Best 5-Star QB Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Flips Commitment to Tennessee Vols Over Bulldogs and Alabama

In a seismic shift within the college football recruiting world, five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from Ohio State and committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. This stunning development has sent shockwaves through college football, as Howard, one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation, was once considered a strong Ohio State commit. His decision to flip to Tennessee over the likes of Georgia and Alabama is a testament to the Volunteers’ growing program, the allure of head coach Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense, and Howard’s personal connection to the Volunteers.

Howard’s commitment represents not just a victory for Tennessee but a broader indication of the increasing appeal of the Vols under Heupel. The 2024 recruiting cycle has seen significant shifts, and Howard’s decision marks a critical turning point. As one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Howard’s decision will be watched closely by both fans and analysts alike.

In this article, we’ll break down Howard’s recruitment process, his decision to flip to Tennessee, and what this means for both the Volunteers’ future and the broader college football landscape.

The Recruitment of Will Howard: A Highly-Coveted Prospect

Will Howard’s journey to becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the country is a testament to his exceptional talent, work ethic, and football IQ. Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 220 pounds, Howard possesses the ideal frame for a quarterback at the next level. His arm strength is elite, capable of making all the throws required at the collegiate and professional levels, while his mobility allows him to extend plays and evade pressure. Howard’s versatility in both the passing and running game makes him a true dual-threat quarterback, something every major program covets.

Howard began his recruitment journey early in high school, impressing scouts with his playmaking ability and leadership on the field. By the time his junior year came around, he was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. With offers flooding in from nearly every major program in college football, Howard had his pick of schools. Programs like Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and others quickly moved to lock down his commitment.

In June 2024, Howard made the shocking announcement that he had verbally committed to Ohio State, a school renowned for its history of developing quarterbacks and producing NFL talent. However, despite the early commitment, Howard’s recruitment was far from over, and it quickly became clear that he was still considering other schools. Throughout the fall of 2024, he continued to visit schools, attend games, and gather information as he weighed his options carefully.

The Tennessee Vols: A Rising Power Under Josh Heupel

As Howard’s recruitment continued, Tennessee quietly emerged as a legitimate contender for his commitment. Head coach Josh Heupel’s up-tempo, high-octane offense has turned heads in just a short period at Tennessee. Since arriving in Knoxville, Heupel has transformed the Volunteers into one of the most dangerous offensive teams in college football, breaking records and attracting top-tier recruits.

Tennessee’s offensive scheme is tailor-made for quarterbacks who can make quick decisions, stretch the field, and attack defenses from all angles. Heupel’s offense focuses on tempo, space, and making high-efficiency plays, creating an exciting environment for quarterbacks to thrive. For a talent like Howard, this offensive system was a major selling point. The ability to step into an offense that plays at a fast pace and uses a spread system would allow him to show off his full skill set.

Additionally, Tennessee’s growing success on the field played a huge factor in Howard’s decision. In the 2023 season, the Volunteers finished with an 11-2 record, including a trip to a major bowl game. Heupel’s ability to quickly turn around Tennessee’s fortunes, alongside a dynamic and powerful offense, made the Vols an increasingly appealing destination for top recruits like Howard.

Tennessee’s recruitment of Howard was further boosted by the presence of former Vols quarterbacks who had success in Heupel’s system. Players like Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton III have proven that Tennessee’s offensive scheme can elevate quarterbacks, and Howard undoubtedly took note of this success. Additionally, the Volunteers’ success on the recruiting trail, with multiple five-star commitments already in place for 2025, made Tennessee a program on the rise—one that could compete for national championships.

Georgia and Alabama: Strong Competition in the SEC

Despite Tennessee’s strong position, Howard was still heavily pursued by two other SEC powerhouses—Georgia and Alabama. Both of these programs have consistently been in the national title hunt and are known for their strong recruiting classes and excellent quarterback play.

Georgia, the defending national champion, has one of the most dominant programs in college football. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has built a juggernaut, particularly on defense, but their offense has also been elite, with quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett leading the way to championships. Georgia’s culture, emphasis on developing players, and national championship pedigree were certainly appealing to Howard. In fact, Georgia was considered one of the front-runners to land Howard as his commitment drew closer.

Alabama, on the other hand, is a perennial powerhouse under Nick Saban. Saban’s reputation for developing quarterbacks, including the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, and Bryce Young, made Alabama a major player in Howard’s recruitment. The Crimson Tide has long been known for its elite defense and strong offensive line, and Howard would have had the chance to develop under one of the best coaching staffs in college football.

Both Georgia and Alabama, with their national titles and successful histories, posed serious competition for Tennessee. However, Howard’s decision to flip to the Vols from Ohio State—and ultimately choose Tennessee over the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide—speaks volumes about Tennessee’s trajectory and Heupel’s growing influence in recruiting.

Why Did Howard Flip to Tennessee?

While Howard’s initial commitment to Ohio State seemed like a done deal, a variety of factors contributed to his decision to decommit and ultimately choose Tennessee. Several key reasons played a role in Howard’s flip:

1. Offensive Fit: As previously mentioned, Tennessee’s up-tempo, fast-paced offense under Josh Heupel perfectly suits Howard’s skill set. The ability to make quick decisions, attack defenses vertically, and play with tempo is what makes Heupel’s system so attractive to top-tier quarterbacks. Howard, with his arm strength and ability to make plays on the move, is an ideal fit for this offense.
2. Program Trajectory: While Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama are all powerhouse programs, Howard’s decision reflects the growing rise of Tennessee. Under Heupel, the Volunteers have made major strides, becoming a program that not only competes at the highest level but also excites recruits with the promise of an explosive offense. Tennessee’s recent success, including a major bowl win and competitive seasons in the SEC, has made the Vols one of the most appealing programs in college football.
3. Recruiting Class: Howard’s decision was also influenced by the talent surrounding him. Tennessee’s recruiting class for 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, with several top-tier players already committed. The potential to play with elite skill-position players and a strong offensive line made Tennessee a more enticing option.
4. Personal Connection to the Staff: Relationships are a huge factor in recruiting, and it’s clear that Howard developed a strong bond with the Tennessee coaching staff. Heupel’s personal attention to detail, combined with his ability to develop quarterbacks, likely made Howard feel comfortable with his decision. Additionally, Tennessee’s position coaches and support staff played an integral role in making Howard feel at home.
5. The Opportunity to Start Early: Another key factor in Howard’s decision was the opportunity to play early. While Ohio State and Georgia have established quarterbacks, Tennessee’s quarterback situation appears more open. This could allow Howard the chance to step in and potentially compete for a starting role early in his college career. With the right development, Howard could quickly become the face of the Tennessee offense.

What This Means for Tennessee’s Future

Howard’s commitment to Tennessee has major implications for the Volunteers’ future. As the centerpiece of their 2025 recruiting class, Howard represents a significant boost to Tennessee’s quarterback room and their hopes of competing for national championships in the near future.

The arrival of a five-star quarterback like Howard strengthens Tennessee’s position in the SEC, where they already have one of the most dynamic offenses in the conference. With Howard leading the charge, the Volunteers will be well-equipped to compete with other top SEC programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU, further elevating Tennessee’s stature in the national conversation.

Howard’s commitment also helps validate Heupel’s vision for the program. By securing a five-star quarterback, Heupel demonstrates that Tennessee is not just a program on the rise but one that can compete for elite talent, even in the face of traditional powerhouses.

 A Landmark Decision for Tennessee

Will Howard’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Tennessee is one of the biggest recruiting victories in recent memory for the Volunteers. His commitment provides a major boost to the program, signaling that Tennessee is not just an up-and-coming team but a legitimate contender for future national championships. With Howard at the helm of their offense, the Volunteers’ future has never looked brighter.

In the broader context of college football, Howard’s decision also represents the growing appeal of offensive systems that allow quarterbacks to thrive in high-paced, dynamic environments. With coaches like Josh Heupel leading the charge, Tennessee is poised to continue competing at the highest level for years to come.

This commitment not only strengthens Tennessee’s recruiting class but also raises the stakes for the entire SEC, with Howard now firmly entrenched as one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in college football. Tennessee fans have every reason to be excited for the future, and with Will Howard leading the way, the Volunteers are ready to make their mark on the college football landscape.