"He had more discernment": Ohio State HC Ryan Day praises Will Howard's improved skills and fitness amidst intense QB competition

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard is gearing up for his debut with the program this upcoming season. After spending four seasons with Kansas State, Howard joined Ryan Day's team after last season's QB1, Kyle McCord, transferred to Syracuse this offseason.

As Ohio State continues its training in fall camp, head coach Ryan Day has offered high praise for Will Howard's offseason performance so far. During a press conference after Day 1 of fall camp (August 1), Day talked about Howard's improvement.

"There was more zip on the ball and I thought there was more accuracy today. Again, it's Day 1. What are you going to do with Day 1? But, I thought the ball came out with more pace. I thought he had more discernment. And I thought there were some accurate throws out there," Ryan Day said (per On3).

Howard put up an impressive performance for the Kansas State Wildcats last season. He led them to an 8-4 overall campaign and tallied a total of 2,643 passing yards along with 24 touchdowns, 351 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He was named as a Second-team All-Big 12 for his on-field achievements.

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Ryan Day commends Will Howard's dedication to improving his body

Apart from his game, Will Howard is putting in the work to improve his body. As per Ryan Day, Howard has made changes to his diet and workout to ensure that he is at his peak physicality for the upcoming season.

"It's one thing to put on weight and take off weight. But when you're talking about body fat and lean mass, and those type of things, you'll just see Howard. He looked different, he's moving different. He worked hard on that," Day said (per On3).

"He's changed his diet, changed his workout plan and dedicated himself to the offseason. I think you're seeing that right now. Now he's got to sustain that throughout the season."

Ryan Day has still not officially named Will Howard as the starting quarterback for the 2024 season. But given the way things are working out, it's only a matter of time before he can take advantage of his experience with Kansas State and turn it into a formula for success with the Buckeyes.