2025 NFL Draft: Will Howard vs Jalen Milroe stat comparison reveals which QB is a better fit for Steelers

Will Howard and Jalen Milroe are considered among some of the best quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft. The two have also been the subject of interest for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are still unclear on their QB1 for next season.

Nonetheless, since Howard and Milroe have unique attributes as playmakers, here's a detailed look at which QB might suit Arthur Smith's system better.

Comparing Will Howard and Jalen Milroe's collegiate careers

Ohio State QB Will Howard - Source: Imagn

Will Howard began his collegiate career at Kansas State in 2020. He played four seasons with the Wildcats before transferring to Ohio State in 2024, where he led the Buckeyes to the national championship.

Here's a look at Howard's stats from his college career:

Season	Team	Games	Passing								Rushing
		Gams Played	Completions	Attempts	Pct	Yards	Avg	TD	Interceptions	QB Rating	Attempts	Yards	Avg	TD
2020	Kansas State	9	90	168	53.6	1,178	7.0	8	10	116.3	78	364	4.7	3
2021	Kansas State	6	30	55	54.5	332	6.0	1	1	107.6	32	184	5.8	4
2022	Kansas State	7	119	199	59.8	1,633	8.2	15	4	149.6	35	22	0.6	3
2023	Kansas State	12	219	357	61.3	2,643	7.4	24	10	140.1	81	351	4.3	9
2024	Ohio State	16	309	423	73.0	4,010	9.5	35	10	175.3	105	226	2.2	7
Career		50	767	1,202	63.8	9,796	8.1	83	35	149.2	331	1,147	3.5	26

Howard finished his collegiate career by completing 767 of 1,202 passes for 9,796 yards with 83 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,147 yards and 26 touchdowns on 331 attempts across 50 games. The QB posted a 29-14 record as a starter.

Howard was given the starting role at Kansas State in the 2023 season. He started in 12 games that year and posted an 8-4 record.

In his final collegiate year, Howard played for the Buckeyes and recorded career highs of 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for seven touchdowns as Ohio State won the national title.

Meanwhile, Jalen Milroe played his entire four-year collegiate career at Alabama. Here's a look at his stats from his career with the Tide:

Season	Team	Games	Passing								Rushing
		Games Played	Completions	Attempts	Pct	Yards	Avg	TD	Interceptions	QB Rating	Attempts	Yards	Avg	TD
2021	Alabama	4	3	7	42.9	41	5.9	1	0	139.2	15	57	3.8	0
2022	Alabama	8	31	53	58.5	297	5.6	5	3	125.4	31	263	8.5	1
2023	Alabama	13	187	284	65.8	2,834	10.0	23	6	172.2	161	531	3.3	12
2024	Alabama	13	205	319	64.3	2,844	8.9	16	11	148.8	168	726	4.3	20
Career		38	426	663	64.3	6,016	9.1	45	20	156.8	375	1,577	4.2	33

Throughout his college career, Milroe completed 426 of 663 passes for 6,016 yards with 45 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,577 yards and 33 touchdowns on 375 carries across 38 games.

Milroe was given the starting role at Alabama in 2023. In his final two years with the program, he compiled a 20-6 record as a starter.

While Milroe and Howard are good with their passing and running games, the latter would be a better fit for the Steelers, who hold the No. 21 pick in the first draft round.

Howard is bigger than Milroe in terms of his size and build. He also has a stronger arm, which allows him to throw the ball downfield with ease.

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see where Milroe and Howard land in the big league.