Shedeur Sanders and Will Howard: A Tale of Support and Performance at the 2025 NFL Combine
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine was a platform for quarterbacks to showcase their skills, but it also highlighted the camaraderie and leadership within the group. Shedeur Sanders, one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in the draft, chose not to participate in the on-field workouts. However, he was present at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to support his fellow quarterbacks, including Will Howard, who had a mixed performance during the drills. Sanders’ presence and encouragement spoke volumes about his character and the brotherhood among the players. While Sanders is expected to be one of the top picks in the draft, he took the time to back Howard, who faced both praise and criticism for his performance.
Howard, the quarterback who led Ohio State to the first national championship of the 12-team College Football Playoff era, had an inconsistent outing at the combine. During the passing drills on Saturday, he struggled with some deep throws but also delivered several pinpoint accurate passes. Despite his up-and-down performance, Howard remained confident in his abilities. “I’m my own biggest critic, so I feel like there were some things I could clean up,” he told the NFL Network. “Overall, I think I showed that I can spin the ball with the best. And, you know, I felt good about it. And I think my footwork was pretty solid,” he added. Howard’s self-awareness and positivity showcased his maturity and resilience, traits that are highly valued in NFL quarterbacks.
Will Howard’s Performance and the Context of His Combine Showing
One factor that may have contributed to Howard’s uneven performance was the absence of his top target from the 2024 season, Emeka Egbuka. A potential first-round pick in the draft, Egbuka opted out of the drills at the combine, leaving Howard without the familiarity of his go-to receiver. Howard had benefited from throwing to Egbuka during his time at Ohio State, where the pair formed a dynamic duo. However, Howard also showcased his ability to make plays with other receivers during the season, particularly during the Buckeyes’ playoff run. Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith emerged as a key contributor, leading the team in receiving yards (1,315) and touchdown catches (15). Smith’s performance was a glimpse of the future, but for now, he won’t be eligible for the draft for another two years.
Howard’s ability to perform under pressure was a highlight of his season, particularly in the national championship game. With the game on the line, he delivered a 56-yard touchdown pass to Smith on third-and-11, sealing the victory for Ohio State. That play, along with his overall performance in the game, earned him MVP honors. He completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, while also setting a College Football Playoff Championship record with 13 consecutive completions. These moments demonstrated Howard’s clutch gene and ability to rise to the occasion, qualities that NFL teams will undoubtedly consider when evaluating him.
Leadership and Intangibles: WhatSets Will Howard Apart
Beyond his physical skills, Howard’s leadership was a key factor in Ohio State’s success. Coach Ryan Day praised Howard’s ability to inspire confidence in his teammates. “We had such a great leader in Will,” Day told FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt. “He was looking those guys in the eye, and they were breaking the huddle, and they believed in him when they huddled.” This kind of leadership is invaluable in the NFL, where quarterbacks are expected to be the face of the franchise and lead their teams in high-pressure situations. Howard’s leadership and poise under pressure were on full display during the Buckeyes’ playoff run, where he played his best football of the season. Over four games, he completed 75.2% of his passes for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions, earning a 184.4 passer rating.
Expert Opinions and Draft Prospects
Joel Klatt, a leading college football analyst, ranked Howard as his No. 5 quarterback in the 2025 draft class. While Howard may not be a top pick, he is expected to be drafted, with his tape, upcoming pro day, and meetings with teams providing additional opportunities to impress NFL franchises. Klatt emphasized that Howard’s performance in the playoffs could work in his favor. “You turn on the film in the playoffs, man, and it’s really good,” Klatt said. “He’s got great command of what’s going on.” This level of praise from a respected analyst could help Howard climb draft boards as the process unfolds.
Meanwhile, Sanders and Miami quarterback Cam Ward are widely expected to be the first two quarterbacks selected in the draft. Other passers, such as Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Texas’ Quinn Ewers, improved their stock with strong showings at the combine. Despite the competition, Howard remains a promising prospect, particularly for teams looking to add depth at the quarterback position. As Klatt noted, “I think he’ll get more positive reviews as we get closer to the draft as he played his best football when it mattered most.”
The Bigger Picture: The Combine, the Draft, and Beyond
The NFL Combine is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to evaluating draft prospects. While it provides valuable insights into a player’s physical abilities, it doesn’t tell the full story. As Sanders’ decision to skip the on-field workouts demonstrated, some players choose to focus on other aspects of the pre-draft process, such as interviews and pro days. For Howard, the combine was an opportunity to showcase his skills, but his true value lies in his game tape and intangibles. His leadership, clutch performances, and ability to inspire confidence in his teammates are qualities that will resonate with NFL teams.
As the draft approaches, Howard’s stock will likely rise as teams delve deeper into his film and recognize the maturity and composure he displayed during the playoffs. While he may not be a top pick, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for a team looking for a quarterback with the ability to perform when it matters most. The story of Howard and Sanders at the combine is a reminder that the NFL draft is not just about physical talent but also about the intangibles that make a player a leader and a winner.
