**BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star Quarterback Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Chooses Florida State**
**March 13, 2025 – Tallahassee, FL** — In a stunning turn of events, five-star quarterback Will Howard, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 236 pounds, has officially decommitted from the Ohio State Buckeyes and announced his decision to play for the Florida State Seminoles. The highly coveted signal-caller’s decision has sent shockwaves through the college football world, as he had long been considered one of the top recruits in the 2025 class and was once committed to the powerhouse Ohio State program.
Howard’s commitment to Florida State is seen as a game-changing moment for head coach Mike Norvell and his staff, as they continue to build one of the most impressive recruiting classes in recent years. Howard, regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, will now be the centerpiece of the Seminoles’ offense, joining an already stacked roster as the program looks to return to national prominence.
### The Decision: A Surprising Shift in the Recruiting Landscape
Will Howard’s recruitment has been one of the most closely watched stories of the 2025 recruiting cycle. A quarterback with rare size, arm strength, and poise, Howard had long been expected to be a future star for Ohio State after committing to the Buckeyes early in his recruitment. However, after months of careful consideration and visits to multiple schools, Howard has decided to decommit and take his talents to Florida State, a program on the rise in the competitive world of college football.
Howard made the announcement in an exclusive press conference at his high school in Jacksonville, Florida, where he expressed gratitude for his time spent with Ohio State but said he felt that Florida State was the best fit for his future.
“I want to thank Coach Day and everyone at Ohio State for their support throughout this process,” Howard said, speaking directly to the camera. “But after careful thought and reflection, I’ve decided that the best place for me to continue my journey is at Florida State University. I’m excited to be a part of this incredible program, and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.”
### Florida State’s Major Victory in the 2025 Recruiting Class
Howard’s commitment to Florida State is a massive win for Coach Norvell and the Seminoles, who have been steadily improving on the recruiting trail over the past few seasons. The Seminoles are already building one of the top recruiting classes in 2025, and with Howard now on board, they have secured a player who many consider to be the future face of the program.
Howard’s size, arm strength, and mobility make him a perfect fit for Florida State’s up-tempo offense, which has been evolving under Norvell’s direction. At 6’4″, 236 pounds, Howard has the physical tools to thrive in any system, with a powerful arm capable of making all the necessary throws at the college level. His ability to read defenses, extend plays with his legs, and maintain poise in high-pressure situations makes him an ideal candidate to lead the Seminoles into the future.
“Will is exactly the type of player we want in this program,” Coach Norvell said in a statement following Howard’s commitment. “He’s a phenomenal quarterback with all the tools to succeed at the highest level. His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence are qualities that we’re excited to bring to Tallahassee. We can’t wait to get started with him here.”
### The Ohio State Connection: A Surprising Departure
Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State comes as a surprise to many, as the Buckeyes had long been seen as the heavy favorite to land the five-star quarterback. Howard had committed to Ohio State nearly a year ago, and the Buckeyes had been working hard to ensure he remained in their class. However, after several recent visits to Florida State, as well as conversations with Coach Norvell and the Seminoles’ staff, Howard ultimately made the decision to decommit and choose the Seminoles as his next destination.
While Ohio State’s loss is certainly a blow to their 2025 recruiting class, the Buckeyes are still considered one of the top programs in the country and will continue to recruit elite quarterbacks. However, losing a player of Howard’s caliber to a rival program is a tough pill to swallow for the Buckeyes, who had hoped to secure the talented signal-caller as the centerpiece of their offense for years to come.
“I’ve always been very focused on finding the best situation for me, and after taking the time to visit Florida State and get to know Coach Norvell and his staff, I knew it was the right place for me,” Howard explained. “This was not an easy decision, but I believe Florida State is where I can develop the most and make the biggest impact.”
### Howard’s High School Career: A Prodigy in the Making
Will Howard’s rise to the top of the recruiting rankings has been nothing short of extraordinary. During his time at Jacksonville’s prestigious First Coast High School, Howard has dominated the competition, showcasing his incredible arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ. His senior season was nothing short of stellar, as he threw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, leading his team to the state playoffs and cementing his reputation as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country.
Howard’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure has been one of his standout traits. He possesses an elite understanding of the game and is able to anticipate defensive coverages and exploit weaknesses with his powerful arm. His performances at various national camps and All-American events have only solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class.
“He’s a natural leader and a true competitor,” said Howard’s high school head coach, Mark Chandler. “Will has a special ability to make every throw on the field, and his mental toughness is off the charts. He’s been a joy to coach, and I have no doubt that he’s going to be a star at the next level.”
### Florida State’s Offense: A Perfect Fit for Howard
The addition of Howard to the Seminoles’ offense is a major coup for Florida State, as the team has been looking for a franchise quarterback to lead them back to national prominence. Howard’s skill set aligns perfectly with the direction that Coach Norvell has taken with the offense, which has focused on a fast-paced, explosive attack designed to stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses.
Howard’s ability to push the ball downfield with his arm, combined with his ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs, will give the Seminoles a dynamic quarterback who can do it all. His strong arm and deep ball accuracy will add an entirely new dimension to the Seminoles’ passing game, while his size and mobility make him a tough player to bring down in the pocket.
“I’ve watched Florida State’s offense evolve over the past few years, and I love the direction they’re headed in,” Howard said. “I’m excited to be a part of an offense that will allow me to showcase my skills and develop into the best quarterback I can be.”
### The Impact on Florida State’s Recruiting Class
Howard’s commitment to Florida State is a massive boost to the Seminoles’ 2025 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years. The addition of a top-tier quarterback like Howard not only strengthens the offense but also sends a message to other recruits that Florida State is a place where elite talent can thrive.
Several other highly-ranked recruits are now likely to consider Florida State as their top destination, especially as the program continues to gain momentum under Coach Norvell’s leadership. Howard’s commitment is a signal to other top players that Florida State is once again a national contender, and the Seminoles’ recruiting efforts are only going to get stronger from here.
“Will’s commitment is a game-changer,” said national recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill. “Florida State is on the rise, and this is the type of move that can elevate their program to national championship contention in the very near future. With Howard at the helm, the Seminoles are going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.”
### Looking Ahead: Florida State’s Bright Future
With Howard now officially a Seminole, Florida State fans have even more reason to be excited about the future. The addition of the 5-star quarterback ensures that the Seminoles will have a high-level player leading their offense for the next several years. As Howard develops and matures in Tallahassee, there is every reason to believe that Florida State will be a perennial contender for ACC titles and national championships.
Howard’s commitment is also a sign that Florida State’s program is not only on the rise but is now a major player in the national recruiting landscape. With the Seminoles now boasting one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, their future looks incredibly promising.
### Conclusion: A New Era for Florida State
Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State and commit to Florida State is one of the most significant recruiting developments in recent memory. His addition to the Seminoles’ 2025 class brings instant credibility and excitement to the program, which is poised to return to national prominence under Coach Norvell’s leadership.
With a top-tier quarterback like Howard leading the way, Florida State fans can look forward to a bright future, filled with high-powered offenses, championship aspirations, and the return of the Seminoles as a force in college football.
