Best 5-Star Quarterback Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Flips Commitment to Florida State Seminoles Over Bulldogs and Alabama
In a stunning turn of events that has sent ripples throughout the college football world, five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from Ohio State and has flipped his commitment to the Florida State Seminoles. The highly sought-after recruit, considered one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, announced his decision to join FSU on Thursday, creating a wave of excitement in Tallahassee while leaving the Buckeyes, Bulldogs, and Alabama to regroup after missing out on his commitment.
The Recruitment Battle
Will Howard, a top-tier recruit from the class of 2026, has been the subject of intense recruitment for months. Originally, Howard had committed to Ohio State in the fall of 2024, a decision that many believed would solidify the Buckeyes as one of the top teams in the nation for years to come. However, as his recruitment continued to evolve, multiple schools began to intensify their pursuit of Howard, including powerhouse programs like the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama.
Florida State, with their resurgence under head coach Mike Norvell, managed to make a late push for Howard, leveraging their success in both recruiting and on-field performance. The Seminoles’ strategic blend of offensive innovation, player development, and a rapidly rising national profile caught the attention of Howard, who began to seriously consider making the switch. In the end, it was FSU’s vision for his development and their commitment to building a championship-caliber program that ultimately won him over.
The Commitment Flip: A Major Shock to Ohio State
When Howard first committed to Ohio State, many saw it as a huge victory for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. Ohio State has long been one of the premier programs in college football, producing top-tier quarterbacks year after year, and Howard appeared to be the perfect fit for their high-octane offense. His decision to flip, therefore, comes as a massive blow to Ohio State’s recruiting efforts.
In his statement announcing the decommitment, Howard expressed his gratitude toward Ohio State and its coaching staff. “I want to thank Coach Day and the entire Ohio State family for the support and belief they showed in me. I’ve had many discussions with my family, and after careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue my career at Florida State. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right one for my future.”
Ohio State’s recruiting staff had worked diligently to secure Howard’s commitment, but ultimately, Florida State’s aggressive push combined with their undeniable momentum on the field was too much to overcome. The Buckeyes, who are still among the top teams in the country, now face an uphill battle as they regroup and retool their recruiting strategies for the coming months.
The Seminoles’ Big Win: Howard’s Impact on FSU
Florida State’s acquisition of Will Howard is monumental for several reasons. First and foremost, Howard is widely considered the best quarterback in his class, a player capable of stepping in and immediately competing for starting roles at any major program. His decision to choose FSU cements the Seminoles as one of the most promising programs in college football.
Head coach Mike Norvell has been building something special in Tallahassee, and the addition of Howard gives Florida State one of the most talented quarterbacks in recent memory. Howard’s ability to make all the throws, combined with his athleticism and leadership qualities, will make him an ideal fit in Norvell’s up-tempo, pass-heavy offense. With Howard at the helm, FSU now has the potential to rival the top programs in the nation and take their recruiting to even greater heights.
“This is a huge moment for Florida State, and we’re beyond thrilled to welcome Will Howard to the Seminole family,” said Norvell in a statement. “Will is a special player with a unique skill set, and we’re confident he will help lead us to the next level. His commitment is a reflection of the direction our program is headed, and we’re excited about the future we’re building here.”
For FSU fans, Howard’s decision is nothing short of a game-changer. The Seminoles have been steadily improving under Norvell, but landing a quarterback of Howard’s caliber brings the program to an entirely new level. It’s clear that Florida State is not just aiming for success in the ACC but is positioning itself as a national contender in the years to come.
Competition From Alabama and Georgia: A Hard-Fought Battle
Howard’s decision to choose Florida State over Alabama and Georgia is significant for a number of reasons. Both programs are among the best in college football, consistently competing for national championships and producing elite talent. While Alabama, under head coach Nick Saban, has been a powerhouse for over a decade, Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, has been the reigning national champion and is on an upward trajectory that seems unstoppable.
Both Alabama and Georgia made strong pushes to recruit Howard, with Saban’s reputation for developing quarterbacks and Smart’s recent success in recruiting top talent being major selling points. The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide each had an impressive case to make, but in the end, it was Florida State’s vision for Howard and the opportunity to play immediately that won out.
“I had great conversations with both Coach Saban and Coach Smart. They both have championship programs and are incredible coaches,” Howard said. “But after visiting Florida State and seeing the commitment to developing players and winning at the highest level, I knew that was the place for me.”
Howard’s choice to join Florida State is a blow to both Alabama and Georgia’s recruiting efforts, as both schools have been extremely successful in landing elite quarterbacks in recent years. The competition for Howard was fierce, and Florida State’s ability to out-recruit two of the top programs in the country speaks volumes about their rising stature in college football.
What This Means for the Future of College Football
Will Howard’s flip to Florida State has ramifications beyond just the individual players and schools involved. It signals a shift in the power dynamics of college football, where traditional powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia now face greater competition from rising programs like Florida State. The Seminoles’ recruitment of Howard is a clear sign that the college football landscape is evolving, with more and more programs competing for national relevance.
Additionally, Howard’s commitment to FSU could have a significant impact on future recruiting cycles. Other top-tier recruits are sure to take notice of Florida State’s success in landing a five-star quarterback, and the Seminoles could see an influx of talent in the coming years. As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, programs like FSU are proving that they can not only compete with the traditional powers but also out-recruit them.
Conclusion: Welcome to the Family, Will Howard
Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State and flip to Florida State is a monumental moment in the world of college football recruiting. It marks the arrival of a new wave of talent in Tallahassee, as Florida State positions itself as a true contender for national championships in the years ahead. The Seminoles’ future looks bright with Howard leading the way, and their rise will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting storylines in college football.
For FSU fans, the message is clear: welcome to the family, Will Howard. The road ahead may be challenging, but with a quarterback of his caliber leading the way, the s
ky’s the limit for the Florida State Seminoles.
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