Breaking News: Five-Star Quarterback Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Chooses Georgia Bulldogs Over Alabama and Florida
March 27, 2025 – Athens, GA
The college football world was rocked today as five-star quarterback Will Howard (6-foot-4, 236 pounds) announced his shocking decommitment from Ohio State and his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs. After months of speculation, Howard officially flipped his decision, choosing Georgia over Alabama and Florida in a move that shifts the landscape of college football.
Howard, considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, had long been expected to lead the Buckeyes. However, after visiting Georgia and weighing his options, he made a bold decision to take his talents to Athens instead of Columbus, Tuscaloosa, or Gainesville.
This last-minute switch is a massive win for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, who continue to dominate the recruiting trail and solidify themselves as a perennial powerhouse in college football.
A Shocking Flip: Why Did Will Howard Decommit from Ohio State?
Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State comes as a major surprise. The Buckeyes had secured his pledge early in the recruiting cycle, and many believed he would be their next great quarterback following in the footsteps of C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields, and Kyle McCord.
So, why did he flip? Sources close to Howard say Georgia’s recent success in developing quarterbacks, their offensive system, and the opportunity to compete for national championships played a major role in his decision.
“I have a lot of respect for Ohio State, but after visiting Georgia, meeting with Coach Smart and Coach (Mike) Bobo, I just felt like it was the best place for me,” Howard said in a statement. “I want to be a part of something special, and I truly believe Georgia gives me the best chance to grow as a player and win at the highest level.”
According to insiders, Howard had been wrestling with this decision for weeks, and it wasn’t until after his last visit to Athens that he made up his mind.
Another factor? Ohio State’s crowded quarterback room. With multiple elite quarterbacks already on the Buckeyes’ roster, Howard may have seen a clearer path to early playing time at Georgia.
Why Georgia? How Kirby Smart Won the Battle Over Alabama and Florida
Howard’s commitment to Georgia is a huge recruiting victory for Kirby Smart, who once again out-recruited Nick Saban and Billy Napier to land an elite quarterback prospect.
1. Georgia’s Proven Success at Developing Quarterbacks
In recent years, Georgia’s quarterback development has been stellar. After winning back-to-back national championships with Stetson Bennett, the Bulldogs have transformed their offensive approach, proving they can develop both game managers and elite passers.
Carson Beck’s emergence as a Heisman candidate in 2024 was a significant factor in Howard’s decision. Seeing Georgia’s ability to turn talented quarterbacks into top-tier players helped persuade him that Athens was the right place for his future.
2. A Dominant Offensive Line and Elite Supporting Cast
Howard also saw the offensive infrastructure Georgia has built. With a dominant offensive line, elite skill players, and a well-balanced scheme, Georgia offers a quarterback-friendly system that maximizes talent.
“Playing behind one of the best offensive lines in college football is a huge advantage,” an insider close to Howard said. “Georgia gives him the best chance to thrive and develop into an NFL-ready quarterback.”3. The Opportunity to Win Championships Immediately
Unlike Florida, which is still rebuilding under Billy Napier, and Alabama, which is transitioning into a new era, Georgia is already in win-now mode.
Howard wants to compete for national championships, and Georgia gives him the best chance to do that immediately.
“Georgia is the new standard in college football,” a recruiting analyst said. “They have everything a quarterback could want: elite coaching, top-tier talent, and the best defense in the country.”
How Does This Impact Georgia’s QB Depth Chart?
Howard’s commitment shakes up Georgia’s quarterback room in a big way.
• Carson Beck (Senior in 2025) – The current starter is likely to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, which means Howard could be competing for the starting job as a freshman.
• Gunnar Stockton (Junior in 2025) – Stockton has been waiting for his chance, but Howard’s arrival could complicate things.
• Dylan Raiola (Sophomore in 2025) – Raiola, another highly touted quarterback, may now have more competition for the starting role.
This creates a fascinating quarterback battle for 2026, as Howard will be competing against Raiola and Stockton for the right to lead the Bulldogs.
What This Means for Ohio State, Alabama, and Florida
Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State and choose Georgia over Alabama and Florida has major consequences for each program.
Ohio State: Scrambling for a New QB
Ohio State now loses its top quarterback commitment for the 2025 class, creating a major hole in their future plans.
The Buckeyes will now have to pursue other quarterbacks, possibly targeting a late flip or a transfer portal addition.
Alabama: Losing Another Recruiting Battle to Georgia
Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide were strongly in the mix for Howard, but losing him to Georgia is another sign that the Bulldogs are winning the SEC recruiting war.
Alabama will now have to turn their attention to other quarterback targets, but missing out on Howard is a big loss.
Florida: A Tough Blow for Billy Napier
For Billy Napier and Florida, missing out on Howard is a major setback. The Gators have struggled to land elite quarterbacks in recent recruiting cycles, and Howard was seen as a potential program-changing player.
Florida now remains behind Georgia and Alabama in terms of recruiting, making Napier’s job even harder.
What’s Next for Will Howard and Georgia?
With his commitment official, Howard is now locked in as Georgia’s quarterback of the future.
His next steps?
•Early enrollment
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