COLUMBUS, Ohio — The broadcast cameras cut to Will Howard on the sideline at the perfect time.
Ohio State football’s quarterback, fresh off a last-minute score to seal a win against Indiana on Saturday, was in full celebration mode. By now, you’ve likely seen it.
He was shouting, “Google that” – a jab at the line that helped make IU coach Curt Cignetti famous. Howard then pretended to put out a cigarette.
The nation saw a different, edgy side to the fifth-year quarterback.
“I get a little fired up, man,” Howard said Tuesday. “Whatever I did this weekend, it’s just the passion that I have. I don’t like when people say anything about us or our team. I don’t really like that, so I get a little fired up.
“That’s just the passion in me, the competitor and the competitive spirit that I have. I kind of can’t control it — sometimes maybe should be a little more controlled.”
When Cignetti was hired, he spoke to a crowd of IU fans at an on-campus basketball game. In his speech, he said Purdue, Michigan and Ohio State suck.
Those words clearly resonated with Howard, who aims to fire up his team when possible.
“I feel like it brings some energy,” Howard said. “I just love competition. I love being on these stages. It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of.”
Will Howard has success in rivalry games
Howard is the quarterback for a team looking to end a three-game losing streak in its rivalry. That’s new territory for the Kansas State transfer.
KSU has won its last 16 games against Kansas.
“We don’t lose to KU,” he said with a smirk.
Here’s how Howard played in his four appearances against the Jayhawks:
- 2020: 17-24, 243 yards, 2 touchdowns
- 2021: 2-3, 18 yards
- 2022: 11-21, 213 yards, 2 touchdowns
- 2023: 13-24, 165 yards, 2 touchdowns (plus one rushing score)
Will Howard has dreamed of The Game
Saturday will mark Howard’s first appearance in an Ohio State vs. Michigan game – something he never envisioned.
Howard grew up in Pennsylvania where he was a life-long Penn State fan. While he never dreamed of playing in The Game, he always wanted to watch the rivalry in person.
“I thought it would be cool, but here I am playing in it,” Howard said. “It’s pretty cool, man. It’s quite an opportunity I have.”
He added that he enjoys playing in the biggest moments – a reminder of what a young version of Howard always aspired for.
“When you’re shooting hoops in your front yard, you’re not thinking about just shooting hoops,” Howard said. “You’re pretending you’re hitting the fadeaway jumper to win the game in the NBA Finals. That’s the mindset you want to have.”