Breaking News: Ohio State Quarterback Commit Will Howard Decommits and Flips to Miami Hurricanes with Full Commitment
In a stunning turn of events, one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, Will Howard, has officially decommitted from Ohio State and pledged his full commitment to the University of Miami Hurricanes. The news sent shockwaves across the college football landscape as Howard, considered a cornerstone of Ohio State’s future offensive plans, announced his decision late Monday evening.
Howard, a 6’4”, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback from Mansfield, Texas, is ranked among the top five quarterbacks in his class and is widely regarded for his leadership, arm strength, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run. His flip to Miami represents a major recruiting coup for the Hurricanes and a significant blow to Ohio State.
Howard’s Statement**
Howard broke the news through a heartfelt post on his social media accounts, thanking Ohio State for their belief in him but explaining his decision to head to South Beach.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Ohio State, Coach Day, and the entire Buckeye Nation for their support and trust in me throughout this process,” Howard wrote. “It’s never easy to change paths, but after much thought and discussion with my family, I’ve decided that the best place for me to grow as a player and as a person is with the Miami Hurricanes. I’m fully committed to The U and can’t wait to get to work.”
Why the Flip?**
Insiders close to Howard suggest several factors played a role in his decision.
1. **Miami’s Offensive Vision**
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson reportedly impressed Howard with their vision for the program and their plans to tailor the offense around his unique skill set. Known for producing dynamic offenses, Dawson’s track record of developing quarterbacks was a key factor in Howard’s choice.
2. **Immediate Playing Opportunity**
While Ohio State traditionally has a deep quarterback room, Miami’s depth chart is less crowded, offering Howard a clearer path to playing time. With current Hurricanes QB Tyler Van Dyke expected to declare for the NFL Draft after this season, the door is wide open for Howard to compete for the starting role as early as his freshman year.
3. **NIL Opportunities**
Miami’s robust NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) program also played a significant role, according to sources. The Hurricanes have emerged as a leader in leveraging NIL deals to attract top-tier talent, and Howard’s potential marketability in the vibrant Miami area was undoubtedly appealing.
Impact on Ohio State
Howard’s departure leaves Ohio State in a precarious position. The Buckeyes had banked on Howard to be a foundational piece of their 2025 recruiting class, and his flip represents a rare misstep for head coach Ryan Day, who has built a reputation as one of the best recruiters in the country.
“This is a significant loss for Ohio State,” said recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Howard was seen as a perfect fit for their system and was going to be the face of their program in the coming years. Losing him to Miami is a major blow, and they’ll need to pivot quickly to find a replacement.”
Ohio State still has other talented players in their quarterback pipeline, but Howard’s decision creates uncertainty for the program’s long-term plans at the position.
Hiami Hurricanes: A Rising Power
For Miami, landing Howard is a massive victory in their quest to reestablish themselves as a national powerhouse. After years of middling performance, Cristobal has revitalized the program with strong recruiting classes and an emphasis on building a winning culture.
“Getting a player like Will Howard is a game-changer,” said former Miami great Gino Torretta. “This is the type of move that signals Miami is back in the conversation for competing at the highest level.”
Howard’s commitment also adds momentum to Miami’s already impressive 2025 recruiting class, which now ranks among the top five nationally.
### **Fan and Expert Reactions**
Howard’s flip has generated intense reactions from both fanbases.
– Ohio State fans expressed disappointment, with some taking to social media to lament the loss.
– “This one stings. We’ve lost a generational talent,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
– “Best of luck to Howard, but Ohio State will bounce back,” another said.
– Miami fans, on the other hand, were jubilant.
– “Welcome to The U, Will Howard! Let’s go!” one fan tweeted.
– “This is the type of move that gets us back to the top. Huge day for Miami football,” another added.
What’s Next for Howard and Miami?
Howard is expected to graduate early from high school and enroll at Miami in January 2025 to participate in spring practices. His early arrival will allow him to acclimate to the program and begin competing for the starting quarterback job.
Meanwhile, Miami’s coaching staff is already positioning Howard as a centerpiece of their recruiting pitch to other top prospects.
“This is just the beginning,” Cristobal said in a statement. “Will Howard is a special talent, and we’re building something here that’s going to turn heads across the country.”
Conclusion
Will Howard’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Miami marks one of the most surprising and impactful recruiting moves of the year. For the Hurricanes, it’s a signal of their resurgence and a statement that they are ready to compete with college football’s elite. For Ohio State, it’s a rare recruiting loss that underscores the highly competitive nature of today’s recruiting battles.
As Howard begins his journey with Miami, the college football world will be watching closely to see if he can help lead the Hurricanes back to national prominence. One thing is certain: this shocking flip has already changed the trajectory of two powerhouse programs.
