Breaking News: Will Howard Chooses Tennessee Volunteers Over Florida State Seminoles and Kentucky Wildcats

In a dramatic turn of events, 5-star quarterback Will Howard has made his highly anticipated commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers, rejecting offers from Florida State Seminoles and Kentucky Wildcats. This is a move that will have significant implications for the Tennessee football program, the college football landscape, and the recruiting world at large. Howard, who stands 6′ 4″ and weighs 236 pounds, has been one of the most coveted recruits in the 2025 class, and his decision to head to Knoxville instead of Tallahassee or Lexington has sent shockwaves throughout the sport.

In this piece, we will dive deep into Howard’s recruitment journey, what led to his decision to choose Tennessee, what his commitment means for the Volunteers’ future, and how this impacts the broader landscape of college football recruiting.

Will Howard: A Breakdown of a 5-Star Talent

Will Howard’s commitment is monumental for Tennessee, not just because he’s a 5-star recruit but because of the exceptional skills he brings to the table. Howard is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, with an arm strength that few can match and a size that makes him a prototypical NFL quarterback. Standing at 6′ 4″ and weighing 236 pounds, he already has the physical stature that teams look for in a quarterback, and he’s only going to get stronger as he matures.

Howard’s high school career has been nothing short of spectacular. Playing for a nationally recognized program, Howard has consistently put up impressive numbers against top-tier competition. His passing accuracy, decision-making, and football IQ have impressed coaches and scouts alike. Over the course of his high school career, Howard has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, with a completion percentage hovering around 65%. These numbers speak to his ability to perform under pressure, as he’s been thrust into high-stakes situations on the biggest stages in high school football.

His size and mobility also make him a dual-threat quarterback. While he may not be as fast as some of the smaller, more nimble quarterbacks in the class, Howard is deceptively mobile for his size. His ability to make plays with his legs, whether it be through scrambling or running designed quarterback draws, adds an extra dimension to his game. This ability to evade pressure in the pocket, while maintaining the ability to throw the football with power and precision, is a rare combination that will make Howard a significant weapon for whichever team lands him.

Given his talent, it’s no surprise that Howard’s recruitment was a nationwide affair, drawing interest from some of the top programs in college football, including Florida State, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Each of these programs had unique selling points, but ultimately, it was the Volunteers who won out.

The Tennessee Volunteers: A Program on the Rise

The Tennessee Volunteers football program has made significant strides in recent years under head coach Josh Heupel. After a period of mediocrity, the Volunteers have experienced a resurgence, becoming one of the more exciting teams in college football. Heupel, who is known for his high-powered offense and ability to develop quarterbacks, has made Tennessee a prime destination for top recruits.

What makes Tennessee such an attractive option for a quarterback like Will Howard? There are several factors that likely influenced his decision.

1. Heupel’s Offensive Scheme: One of the most important aspects of Tennessee’s rise has been Heupel’s offensive system. Known for his up-tempo, high-scoring attack, Heupel has consistently put quarterbacks in positions to succeed. The system is designed to spread the field and take advantage of a quarterback’s strengths, and it’s no secret that Howard is the type of quarterback who can thrive in this system. The chance to play in a high-octane offense that emphasizes both the passing game and play-action would have been a huge selling point for Howard.
2. Quarterback Development: Heupel has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, a key factor in Howard’s decision. The most recent example is Hendon Hooker, who blossomed under Heupel’s tutelage, emerging as one of the best quarterbacks in college football in 2022. Hooker’s success, which included a Heisman-worthy season, undoubtedly raised Tennessee’s profile as a program that knows how to maximize quarterback talent. Howard would have been drawn to the opportunity to develop his game under a coach with a proven ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks.
3. Tennessee’s Upward Trajectory: Tennessee has become a perennial contender in the SEC, consistently competing at a high level. The Volunteers finished the 2022 season ranked in the top 10, and their rise has continued in 2023. The SEC is known for its elite football programs, and for a player like Howard, the chance to compete at the highest level is undoubtedly appealing. Tennessee has positioned itself as a championship contender, and Howard would have recognized that joining the Volunteers gives him a chance to compete for national titles while playing in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
4. Fan Support and Atmosphere: Tennessee’s fan base is one of the most passionate and dedicated in college football. The atmosphere at Neyland Stadium is electric, and the chance to play in front of that passionate crowd would have been a major draw for Howard. For a quarterback with NFL aspirations, playing in front of such an engaged fan base and on a national stage would have been a key factor in his decision.
5. The Competition for Playing Time: Tennessee’s quarterback room has been relatively stable in recent years, with the departure of Hendon Hooker leaving a potential opening for the next star. While the Volunteers have solid options in the quarterback room, Howard’s commitment gives him the opportunity to compete for the starting job early in his career, potentially even in his freshman season. This was likely a major factor in his decision, as the opportunity to play early in his college career is something that many top recruits consider when making their decision.

Why Florida State and Kentucky Were in the Running

While Tennessee emerged as the winner in the battle for Will Howard’s commitment, Florida State and Kentucky were also strong contenders. Both schools had their unique advantages, but ultimately, Howard’s desire to compete at the highest level and play in a system that maximizes his abilities led him to Knoxville.

Florida State Seminoles

Florida State, under head coach Mike Norvell, has made tremendous strides in recent years. The Seminoles have a rich history of success, including multiple national championships, and their current roster is loaded with talent. Quarterback development has also been a key selling point for the Seminoles. Jordan Travis has flourished under Norvell, and the Seminoles have positioned themselves as one of the top teams in the ACC.

However, while Florida State offers a great football program and the potential for success, Howard’s decision to not commit to the Seminoles likely came down to the offense’s system and the competition within the quarterback room. The Seminoles already have a talented quarterback in Jordan Travis, and while Travis is expected to leave after the 2023 season, Howard might have preferred a more immediate opportunity to compete for playing time rather than waiting for his chance to start at Florida State.

Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky, led by head coach Mark Stoops, has consistently been a solid program in the SEC, especially in recent years. The Wildcats have made significant strides and are known for their strong defense and physicality. Kentucky’s offense has been more balanced, and while they’ve had some success with quarterbacks like Will Levis, their system is not as flashy or up-tempo as what Howard might have been looking for.

While Kentucky offered the possibility of early playing time, especially after Levis’ departure, the Wildcats simply couldn’t match the appeal of Tennessee’s explosive offensive scheme and upward trajectory. Kentucky is a program on the rise, but for Howard, the opportunity to compete for a national championship and thrive in Heupel’s offense made Tennessee the more attractive option.

The Future of Tennessee Football with Will Howard

With Will Howard’s commitment, Tennessee football is poised for an exciting future. The addition of a 5-star quarterback who possesses the physical tools and football IQ to excel at the highest level solidifies the Volunteers’ place among the elite programs in the country. Howard’s arrival in Knoxville provides the Volunteers with a potential franchise quarterback who could lead the team to SEC championships and even national titles.

Tennessee will also have the chance to build around Howard with a dynamic offense that can utilize his strengths. The wide receiver corps at Tennessee has been one of the best in the country, and with Howard at quarterback, the Volunteers could become one of the most dangerous offenses in college football. The combination of Howard’s arm strength, mobility, and decision-making with the talent surrounding him creates a recipe for success.

Additionally, Howard’s commitment will likely boost Tennessee’s recruiting efforts moving forward. Top-tier recruits will see that the Volunteers are capable of landing elite talent, and the presence of a 5-star quarterback will make the program even more attractive to other top prospects. Tennessee’s recruiting efforts have already been impressive under Heupel, and Howard’s commitment is only going to make them even more formidable in the coming years.

A Game-Changing Commitment

Will Howard’s decision to commit to the Tennessee Volunteers over Florida State and Kentucky is a major win for the Volunteers and solidifies the program’s standing as one of the top football programs in the country. Howard’s skill set and leadership potential give Tennessee a bright future, and his presence in Knoxville will undoubtedly elevate the program’s chances of competing for championships in the coming years.

This commitment is a statement for Tennessee’s football program. It shows that the Volunteers are serious contenders in the recruiting battle for top talent and that they have a system that can develop elite quarterbacks. For Howard, Tennessee represents the opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest stage and to take his game to the next level. The decision is a pivotal moment in his career, and one that will have a lasting impact on the future of Tennessee football.