Best 5-Star QB Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Flips Commitment to Auburn Tigers Over Bulldogs and Alabama

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from Ohio State and flipped his commitment to Auburn University. Howard, who was previously regarded as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, has now decided to join the Auburn Tigers over offers from heavyweights like the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia. This move has not only stunned fans but also reshaped the college football recruiting landscape in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond.

The 2025 recruiting class has been one of the most anticipated in recent years, with several top-tier quarterbacks like Howard set to define the future of college football. Howard’s decision to choose Auburn over the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide, two perennial powerhouses in the SEC, is a massive victory for head coach Hugh Freeze and the Auburn football program. It also signals a major shift in the power dynamics of SEC recruiting as Auburn continues to solidify its status as a rising contender.

Will Howard: The Prodigy Quarterback

Will Howard, a highly-coveted quarterback prospect out of the state of Georgia, has been at the center of recruiting attention for much of his high school career. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 210 pounds, Howard possesses the ideal frame for a modern-day quarterback. His strong arm, ability to read defenses, and pocket presence have made him a favorite among college coaches across the nation.

Howard’s high school career has been marked by spectacular performances, solidifying his place among the nation’s elite quarterbacks. His high football IQ, combined with his physical tools, has allowed him to dominate in one of the country’s most competitive states for high school football talent. Howard’s accuracy, especially on deep throws, and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure have caught the eyes of recruiters from all over the country.

Over the past year, Howard has shown steady development, and scouts have continued to praise his ability to make every throw in the playbook while maintaining a calm demeanor in clutch moments. These qualities made him a top target for some of the biggest programs in college football.

The Ohio State Commitment

Initially, Howard had verbally committed to Ohio State, one of college football’s most prestigious programs. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have built a reputation as a powerhouse program capable of competing for national titles year in and year out. With a history of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, including recent stars like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State was an attractive destination for Howard.

At the time of his commitment, Howard’s decision to choose Ohio State seemed like a logical one. The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense and consistent success under Day provided a compelling case for the young quarterback. Ohio State’s success in developing quarterbacks and consistently competing for Big Ten titles and national championships gave Howard a sense of security in his choice. However, as the recruiting process evolved and as Howard visited other campuses, it became clear that his recruitment was far from over.

The Flipping of Commitments: Auburn Enters the Picture

As Howard’s recruitment continued, it became increasingly clear that other elite programs were not going to relent in their pursuit of him. Auburn, in particular, made a strong push to flip the five-star quarterback from Ohio State. With Hugh Freeze now at the helm of the Auburn football program, the Tigers began to gain significant traction in their recruitment efforts.

Freeze’s offensive philosophy, which emphasizes a dynamic and explosive passing game, resonated with Howard. Freeze’s reputation as a quarterback developer and his ability to guide quarterbacks to success at both the collegiate and professional levels were significant selling points for Howard. Additionally, Freeze’s emphasis on building a strong, supportive culture for student-athletes made Auburn an attractive option for Howard, who wanted a program that would prioritize both his football development and personal growth.

Auburn’s strong recruiting class, combined with the vision Freeze laid out for Howard, played a key role in Howard’s decision. Auburn had already been making strides in the SEC, and adding a quarterback like Howard would only accelerate the program’s trajectory.

The SEC Battle: Georgia and Alabama in the Hunt

While Auburn was emerging as the front-runner for Howard’s services, the two other powerhouses in the SEC—Georgia and Alabama—were also in the mix. Both programs are known for their recruiting prowess and have been consistently ranked among the best in the country. For Howard, the decision would not be easy. Each program offered a unique set of advantages.

Georgia: A Rising Force Under Kirby Smart

Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart, has become one of the most dominant teams in college football. The Bulldogs are coming off back-to-back national championships and have been dominant on both sides of the ball, including having one of the best defenses in the country.

For Howard, the idea of joining a program that has been at the pinnacle of college football, especially under Smart, was certainly appealing. Georgia’s ability to recruit and develop talent has made them an attractive destination for many top recruits, and their offense has been evolving to become more balanced and potent in recent years. With a quarterback room that included highly-rated prospects like Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton, Howard would have had to compete for the starting spot but could have been poised to join an elite team that is consistently in the hunt for national titles.

Alabama: The Crimson Tide Dynasty Under Nick Saban

Of course, no SEC recruiting battle would be complete without Alabama. Under Nick Saban, Alabama has established itself as one of the most successful programs in college football history. The Crimson Tide have been a perennial powerhouse, consistently competing for national championships, and their program has produced multiple first-round quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones.

Alabama’s rich tradition of success and the development of quarterbacks under Saban’s staff would have made them an attractive option for Howard. The chance to play for a coach with Saban’s pedigree, learn from top-tier offensive coordinators, and compete in the nation’s toughest conference was an enticing opportunity for Howard.

However, despite the appeal of both Georgia and Alabama, it became increasingly clear that Auburn was the right fit for Howard. The vision Freeze presented, coupled with the idea of being the centerpiece of Auburn’s future success, ultimately sealed the deal.

Will Howard’s Commitment: A Game-Changer for Auburn

Howard’s commitment to Auburn is not only a major victory for the Tigers but also a statement of intent for the future of the program. With a quarterback of Howard’s caliber at the helm, Auburn’s chances of competing at a high level in the SEC and on the national stage are significantly enhanced. Howard’s ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs gives Auburn a dynamic offensive weapon capable of making an immediate impact.

Moreover, Howard’s commitment marks a critical moment in Auburn’s recruiting efforts. It signals to other top recruits that Auburn is a program on the rise and is ready to compete with the SEC’s elite teams. The addition of a five-star quarterback like Howard gives Auburn an edge in future recruiting battles and adds momentum to the program’s growth under Freeze.

What Howard Brings to Auburn

As a quarterback, Howard brings several key qualities to Auburn that will benefit the program. His ability to make all the throws, especially in pressure situations, positions him as a natural leader for the Tigers. Howard’s high football IQ and decision-making skills will allow him to thrive in Freeze’s offense, which is designed to showcase his talents.

Additionally, Howard’s mobility in the pocket and ability to extend plays with his legs make him a dual-threat quarterback who can pose problems for defenses. His versatility as both a passer and a runner will allow Auburn to be creative with their offensive scheme and provide Howard with opportunities to impact the game in multiple ways.

Auburn Football’s Future with Will Howard

Will Howard’s flip to Auburn is a monumental moment for the Tigers and sets the stage for a bright future. With a talented quarterback like Howard leading the charge, Auburn’s aspirations of competing for SEC titles and making a deep run in the College Football Playoff are within reach. The Tigers now have a true leader under center, and the momentum from Howard’s commitment will only continue to elevate the program’s recruiting efforts in the coming years.

For Auburn fans, Howard’s commitment represents a new chapter in the program’s history. It is a testament to the hard work of Freeze and his staff and a clear sign that Auburn is ready to compete with the best in the SEC. With Howard at the helm, Auburn’s future has never looked brighter.

Conclusion: A New Era at Auburn

Will Howard’s decision to flip from Ohio State to Auburn is a game-changing moment in the world of college football recruiting. The addition of one of the best quarterbacks in the 2025 class significantly enhances Auburn’s future prospects and cements the Tigers as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. As Howard prepares to lead the Auburn Tigers, his presence will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the program’s quest for greatness in the coming years. For Auburn fans, the future has never been more promising. Welcome to the family, Will Howard!