Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback on Davey O’Brien Award watch list

Although Kansas State transfer Will Howard has not yet been named the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the veteran college quarterback continues to receive some preseason accolades. Howard has battled with Devin Brown for the starting spot in the spring and thus far in fall camp. The general expectation is that Howard will ultimately get the job, perhaps sooner rather than later.

With the job of quarterback at Ohio State comes high expectations. The abundance of dangerous weapons surrounding the quarterback in this offense only adds to his ability to perform well during the season. Not only has Howard already been named to the Walter Camp Award watch list, but as of Thursday he is also on the Davey O’Brien Award watch list.

The Davey O’Brien Award is given annually to the best quarterback in college football. This isn’t the first time Howard has been on the watch list. Before his final season with the Wildcats, he was one of 35 quarterbacks on the preseason watch list.

Howard then led Kansas State to a 9-4 overall record, completing 219 passes for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns. On the ground, he also carried the ball 81 times for 351 yards and nine touchdowns.

With TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins rotating in the backfield, Howard should be under a lot of pressure this season. Howard’s job is to use his experience to manage the game and distribute the ball to numerous talented receivers such as Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss.

It is still unknown when the official announcement of the starting quarterback position will be made. Head coach Ryan Day said at the start of fall camp that he hoped someone would take full control within the first week to 10 days. That time frame is roughly now at the time of this announcement.