24-04-2025
Will Howard's GPA at Ohio State Sends Clear Message Ahead of NFL Draft
Will Howard's NFL draft stock continues to be widely debated despite the quarterback leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship. The majority of NFL mock drafts predict Howard will be a potential Day 3 pick.
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling has Howard absent from his final four-round NFL mock draft. The Athletic's Dane Brugler has the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Howard with the No. 143 overall pick in the fifth round, reuniting the star with former Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
Advertisement
One thing that appears to be abundantly clear is Howard has the intelligence to both learn and operate an NFL offense. The Cotton Bowl revealed that Howard posted an impressive GPA at Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) motions at the line of scrimmage during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025. Ohio State won Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The quarterback was named the Dan S. Petty Scholar-Athlete for his academic achievements, including earning an accounting degree at Kansas State followed by a master's in sports coaching at Ohio State. Howard posted a 3.94 GPA, one of many strong signs for NFL evaluators looking for a young quarterback to develop.
"Ohio State fifth-year senior quarterback Will Howard is this year's Dan S. Petty Scholar-Athlete for the Buckeyes participating in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic," the Cotton Bowl detailed in Howard's profile.
Advertisement
"Howard has already earned two degrees during his college football career, starting with an accounting degree from Kansas State University in December 2023 before using his final collegiate season at Ohio State to complete a master's in sports coaching this December," the Cotton Bowl added.
"... In the classroom, the Downingtown High School product has carried a 3.94 overall GPA at Ohio State. He is also a candidate for Academic All-America honors by College Sports Communicators."
Related: Ohio State's Will Howard Predicted to Join $260 Million Star QB in NFL Mock Draft
