Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Flips Commitment to Clemson Tigers: A Game-Changing Move for the Tigers
In a stunning turn of events, Will Howard, one of the top-rated five-star quarterbacks in the nation, has officially decommitted from Ohio State and committed to the Clemson Tigers. This shift in allegiance has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, with many fans and analysts wondering how this move will impact the balance of power in college football recruiting, especially with the Bulldogs and Alabama also vying for his signature.
Will Howard, a highly coveted quarterback from Kansas, had long been a fixture in the recruiting class of Ohio State, and many assumed he was headed to play for the Buckeyes. However, after several months of recruitment, and with the Tigers making a strong push in the final days, Howard chose to make the flip and play for Clemson. This decision is a major coup for the Tigers and further strengthens their position as a perennial powerhouse in college football.
The Recruitment Battle: Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia
Before his commitment to Clemson, Howard had been a primary target for some of the top programs in the country, including Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia. The Buckeyes had long been seen as the frontrunner due to their high-powered offense and recent success in developing NFL talent, especially at the quarterback position. Alabama and Georgia, two of the top programs in the SEC, also heavily pursued Howard, with both schools boasting strong track records of developing elite quarterbacks.
However, Howard’s decision to flip to Clemson marks a significant development in the ongoing recruiting arms race. The Tigers, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, have established themselves as one of the most successful programs in the country over the past decade, particularly known for their prowess on the national stage with multiple College Football Playoff appearances and a national championship win. Swinney’s reputation for developing quarterbacks, such as Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson, played a major role in securing Howard’s commitment.
What This Means for Clemson
The addition of Howard to the Clemson Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class is a game-changer. Howard is an incredibly talented quarterback, with a strong arm, mobility, and an innate ability to read defenses. His ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket makes him a dual-threat that will fit perfectly into the Tigers’ system. Under the guidance of Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Howard will have the opportunity to develop into a future star.
Clemson has a rich history of producing top-tier quarterbacks, and Howard will be the next in line to carry that torch. The Tigers have been recruiting elite talent for years, but securing a quarterback of Howard’s caliber could propel them back to national championship contention in the near future.
Impact on Recruiting Landscape
Howard’s flip also sends a message to the rest of the college football world. It solidifies Clemson as a major player in recruiting and highlights their continued success in attracting top-tier talent. With Howard in the fold, Clemson will likely continue to target elite offensive weapons to surround him and build a juggernaut offense for the years to come.
For Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama, losing out on a player of Howard’s caliber is a significant blow, but it is unlikely to derail their recruiting efforts. Each of these schools has built elite programs that will continue to attract top talent. However, the recruiting dynamics in the SEC and Big Ten will shift as they now look for the next quarterback to lead their respective programs.
Conclusion
In the end, Will Howard’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Clemson is one of the biggest recruiting stories of the 2025 class. As a five-star prospect with immense potential, Howard is poised to be a future star for the Tigers. For Clemson, landing a quarterback of his caliber is a massive win and reaffirms their position as a college football powerhouse. As Howard begins this new chapter, it will be exciting to watch his development and see how he helps shape the future of the Clemson Tigers. Welcome to the family, Will Howard—Clemson’s future looks bright.