Ohio State has yet to name Will Howard its starter for the 2024 season. Still, those who select the winner of the Davey O'Brien Award see promise in the former Kansas State quarterback.
On Thursday, Howard was named a preseason candidate for the Davey O'Brien Award, an honor presented to the top quarterback in college football.
.@daveyobrien Preseason Watch List honor for @whoward_ pic.twitter.com/TAiaXCVLFp
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 8, 2024
Howard arrived on Ohio State's campus in January after four seasons at Kansas State. In 34 appearances for the Wildcats, he completed 458 of 779 passes (58.8%) for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He also ran the ball 226 times for 921 yards and 19 scores.
This preseason, Howard has competed with Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin and Air Noland for the coveted title of QB1. After seven practices, Howard appears to be the frontrunner in the battle; however, Brown remains in contention as Ryan Day said Thursday the quarterbacks have started to take the "lion's share of the first-team reps" with Ohio State's offense.
If Howard wins the quarterback competition, he will have a slew of weapons at his disposal this season, including running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins and wide receivers Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and Jeremiah Smith.
Henderson, Judkins and Egbuka have been among the Buckeyes named preseason nominees for awards this season. Henderson and Judkins are candidates for the Doak Walker Award, while Egbuka is a candidate for the Paul Hornung Award and Biletnikoff Award. Additionally, Judkins and Egbuka have joined Howard on watch lists for the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year.
Buckeyes on Preseason Awards Watch Lists
Maxwell Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Caleb Downs, safety
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
Outland Trophy
- Josh Fryar, offensive tackle
- Donovan Jackson, offensive lineman
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
Jim Thorpe Award
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
Lott IMPACT Trophy
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
Dodd Trophy
- Ryan Day, head coach
Paul Hornung Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Wuerffel Trophy
- Seth McLaughlin, offensive line
Walter Camp Player of The Year
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Doak Walker Award
- TreVeyon Henderson, running back
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
Biletnikoff Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Davey O'Brien Award
- Will Howard, quarterback
