Will Howard lifting the trophy for the Buckeyes after a picture-perfect season and receiving a hero’s farewell has still been the core memory for OSU fans. The Pennsylvania native has carried a tale of grit and resilience in the bright orange jersey. He doesn’t want fans or youngsters to ever forget him. But are they ready to do that? Certainly not. The legacy of a career-high passing yards (3,490) and passing touchdowns (32), and a top-tier leadership is hard to pin down, even harder to replicate. But Howard wants to pay back the home he owes all of his glory to. He wants the younger generation to step forward and inherit some of his traits. He’s not vouching for an exclusive copyright over the state. Howard’s recent IG announcement backs his intention with an action.

Howard’s path toward a storybook finish at Columbus wasn’t a cakewalk. Despite a remarkable season under his belt, he got drafted as late as round 6 by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some announcers cast serious doubts over his jeopardized arm strength, while some threw dirt over his insufficient evaluation. But Howard, after all this, stood firm on his ground like a true, resident hero. He has a clear purpose on his mind. It’s neither fame nor money. “I hope I could have left some nuggets with them and showed them, at the very least, how to treat people. And how to work hard, and all those different things,” Howard once opened up on his view with the future OSU locker room, “I mean, I’m rooting for those guys, man. I’m pulling for them, and we still stay in contact. So I’m gonna be pulling for the Buckeyes big time next year.”

Right after being settled in the Steelers QB room, Howard shared the news on Instagram that he’d be hosting his youth football camps in Ohio on June 14 and 15. A first-ever initiative to boost the young stars’ vision and motivation for a future in the game is open to all genders, inclusive of boys and girls aged between 6 and 16. The event will descend upon the Pickerington North High School Football Stadium. Howard beamed with joy and pride, stating, “Buckeye Nation, excited to announce my first ever youth camps with/ @Flexworkmgt in both Pickerington and Akron!”

Just a week later, he reposted it on his story. The goal is to let the unaware know so that they won’t miss their chance.

Now that’s huge. For a player like Howard with an A-lister resume both in high school and college, it’s commendable to step beyond his limiting interest and immerse himself in fostering a better, brighter generation to carry the torch.

Forget all the recent NIL drama, ditching, and poaching stories. Look at Howard and his ideas! That’s what a sports person ideally does. But the athlete coming with a ‘team-first’,’ future generation first’ approach is now on the verge of perhaps the toughest battle in his pro debut.

Will Howard might not end up as the Steelers’ QB1 

The Steelers’ QB room is a mess. They re-signed veteran Mason Rudolph and continue to lurk behind the 41-year-old free agent Aaron Rodgers. NFL head coach Jon Gruden slammed them over the indecision, stating, ”I don’t know what Pittsburgh’s doing at quarterback.”  He added to the chaotic direction of Mike Tomlin, “Maybe Aaron Rodgers, like he’s going to solve all your problems. It sounds great, but two years ago, he was out for the year.”

Meanwhile, they took a big step, drafting Howard on the board. But CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso believes Howard has ample reasons to worry, He said the Steelers can view Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt as their future. His strong running and improved passing skills, and mobility can be the ideal fit for the Steelers at the center for 2026.

But no worries. Howard got the nerve to fight. No complaint, no talk, sheer determination. That’s how he drove through a major setback against Michigan and walked away with a Natty. “The things that I went through, and I learned how to push through adversity,” Howard said. “How to come back from bad things. That gave me a pretty hard head. I got a chip on my shoulder, and I like to carry that with me.” Certainly, the boy is a gem that the Steelers will find hard to pass on.