3 reasons why Will Howard could be a bust for Ryan Day's Ohio State in 2024 

Ohio State has been in a frustrating cycle for the last several seasons. The Buckeyes seem like a perennial preseason favorite. But Ohio State can't get over the hump of winning the big games. The last three regular seasons have ended in losses to Michigan.

But Ohio State is hopeful for the 2024 season. Given a 12-team College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes seem almost guaranteed to earn a Playoff spot. But an X-factor is transfer QB Will Howard. Kyle McCord's 11-2 season didn't satisfy the Buckeyes, and so Kansas State's Howard was brought in to get OSU over the proverbial hump. But what if he doesn't?

Here are three reasons why Will Howard could be a bust for Ohio State next season.

3 reasons why Will Howard could be a bust for Ohio State in 2024

Kyle McCord put up big numbers for Ohio State in 2023 but has since given way to Will Howard (Image Credit: IMAGN)

#1. Injuries

Howard has run the ball frequently throughout his career with 226 career carries. He's had some minor nagging injuries but has avoided significant health issues. However, with a massive drop-off in the position behind him, Howard has to be careful about running the ball.

A big hit at any point could spell disaster for Howard and for Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't have a lot of certainty at QB behind Howard, and they can't afford having to play a limited version of Howard.

#2. Howard hasn't been great against better competition

For his career, Howard has 48 touchdown passes to 25 interceptions. But in games against ranked teams, he's at just 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. Howard has seemingly padded his stats against inferior competition.

Ohio State has plenty of players who can put up points in easy games. But a year ago, against ranked opponents, Ohio State picked up 17-14 and 20-12 wins, then took 30-24 and 14-3 losses. The combination of an underwhelming offense and a quarterback who has struggled against good competition isn't a great combination.

#3. The problem probably isn't the QB

Even if Howard is more impressive than he was at Kansas State, he might not be the problem. A year ago, Kyle McCord was perfectly adequate under center, throwing for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions. But Ohio State still found a way to lose to Michigan and miss the Playoff.

C.J. Stroud didn't get the Buckeyes over the hump either. And that certainly wasn't an issue of QB talent or production. The two problems at Ohio State have been defense and culture. While Jim Knowles has improved the defense, Michigan was still able to make the big plays needed.

Culture is a bigger deal perhaps. Could it be that Ohio State gets too tight and loses these games based on a poor overall approach? If Will Howard puts up an All-American season and Ohio State manages to come up short, it perhaps seems clear that there could be cultural issues.

Do you think Will Howard can help Ohio State win the national championship next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.