Ohio State QB Will Howard Overlooked in Latest QB Power Rankings Despite Strong Start
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s recent performances have drawn mixed reactions, as his efforts in the Buckeyes’ dominant 56-0 win over Western Michigan haven’t been enough to secure a spot in the top 15 of CBS analyst Tom Fornelli’s latest QB Power Rankings. Meanwhile, former Ohio State quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Kyle McCord have received significant praise, placing first and seventh, respectively, on the list.
Howard, who was ranked eighth in Fornelli’s preseason rankings, has been pushed out of the top 15 despite solid showings in the Buckeyes’ first two games. His performances, while largely impressive, came against Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponents—teams not considered among the most formidable in college football. Nevertheless, Howard has excelled in three out of the four halves he has played, making his exclusion from the rankings surprising to many.
On the other hand, Quinn Ewers, now leading the Texas Longhorns, claimed the top spot after a standout performance against a ranked Michigan team. Ewers threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in a decisive 31-12 victory, without committing a turnover. This performance vaulted him over Georgia’s Carson Beck, demonstrating that Fornelli places significant value on performances against ranked opponents.
Another surprise in the rankings was Kyle McCord, now at Syracuse, who found himself ranked seventh. McCord delivered back-to-back four-touchdown games, including a key 31-28 victory over Georgia Tech, marking Syracuse’s first win against a ranked team since 2022. However, some have noted that McCord’s success has come with a heavy workload, averaging 42.5 pass attempts per game—considerably more than Howard’s 27 attempts per game.
With Ohio State on a bye this week, Howard will have another opportunity to make his case when the Buckeyes face Marshall on September 21st. For now, the talented quarterback will remain in the honorable mentions, waiting for a breakthrough performance to regain his spot among college football’s elite quarterbacks.
