Sure, here’s a 900-word article on the breaking news of Will Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State and commitment to Ole Miss:
Breaking News: Five-Star Quarterback Will Howard Flips Commitment from Ohio State to Ole Miss
In a stunning development on the college football recruiting trail, five-star quarterback Will Howard (6’4″, 236 lbs) has officially decommitted from Ohio State and committed to the Ole Miss Rebels. The blue-chip prospect, widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the 2025 class, announced his decision earlier today via social media, sending shockwaves across the college football landscape.
Howard, who originally committed to Ohio State in January, had been seen as a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ future offense. A pro-style quarterback with exceptional arm strength, high football IQ, and impressive mobility for his size, Howard had drawn comparisons to some of the top signal-callers in the NFL. His departure is a major loss for Ohio State and a monumental gain for Ole Miss, who beat out powerhouses Georgia and Colorado for his services.
“I want to thank Ohio State, Coach Day, and the entire staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity,” Howard wrote in his announcement. “This was not an easy decision, but after much prayer, thought, and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to flip my commitment to Ole Miss. I believe in Coach Kiffin’s vision, and I’m excited to be a part of something special in Oxford. Hotty Toddy!”
A Recruiting Shake-Up
Howard’s commitment to Ole Miss marks one of the most significant flips in recent recruiting memory. The Rebels, under head coach Lane Kiffin, have quietly been assembling one of the strongest recruiting classes in the SEC, and the addition of Howard only strengthens their national profile. Ranked as the No. 2 quarterback and the No. 9 overall player in the 2025 class by 247Sports Composite, Howard brings instant credibility and leadership to the Rebels’ future offense.
Ole Miss had been in the mix for Howard dating back to early last year but seemed to fall behind when he gave his verbal pledge to Ohio State. However, behind the scenes, Kiffin and his staff never stopped recruiting him. Over the past month, momentum began to shift. Howard made an unofficial visit to Oxford in mid-March, and sources say he came away impressed by the culture, the offensive scheme, and the opportunity to compete for early playing time.
According to recruiting insiders, the Rebels’ vision for Howard’s development and Kiffin’s offensive track record were major selling points. The quarterback-friendly system at Ole Miss, which has helped elevate the profiles of players like Matt Corral and Jaxson Dart, resonated deeply with Howard and his family.
Impact on Ohio State
For Ohio State, Howard’s decommitment is a tough blow. The Buckeyes had been riding a wave of recruiting success, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, and Howard was seen as the crown jewel of their 2025 class. Losing a player of his caliber not only affects the perception of the class but also puts pressure on the coaching staff to find a replacement quickly.
It’s unclear at this time how Ohio State plans to pivot, but several top quarterbacks remain uncommitted. Names like Julian Lewis (USC commit, but still taking visits), George MacIntyre, and Husan Longstreet may become priorities if the Buckeyes choose to re-enter the QB market aggressively.
However, sources close to the program suggest Ohio State might wait and evaluate their options over the summer before extending new offers or making a hard push for another quarterback.
A New Era in Oxford
Howard’s decision is a major milestone for Lane Kiffin’s tenure at Ole Miss. Known for his offensive innovation and charismatic recruiting approach, Kiffin has long been regarded as one of the most quarterback-friendly coaches in college football. Bringing in a five-star talent like Howard signals that elite prospects are buying into the Rebels’ future.
“This is a program-changing commitment,” one SEC recruiting analyst said. “Howard is the kind of quarterback who can not only win you games but elevate your entire roster. With the NIL opportunities, the energy around the Ole Miss program, and the offensive creativity Kiffin brings, this is the perfect storm for a kid like Will.”
Howard is expected to enroll early in January 2026, giving him the chance to participate in spring practices and compete for the starting job immediately. While the Rebels have talent in their current quarterback room, Howard will enter Oxford with the expectation of becoming the face of the program.
What This Means Nationally
The ripple effects of Howard’s flip are already being felt across the college football world. Programs like Georgia and Colorado, who were among the final contenders, may now turn their attention to other top-tier quarterback prospects. Meanwhile, Ole Miss’ recruiting class has jumped significantly in national rankings, potentially positioning the Rebels for their first top-10 class in the modern recruiting era.
This move also highlights the ever-changing dynamics of modern recruiting, where NIL, early playing time, and offensive fit can outweigh traditional blue-blood prestige. Howard’s decision reflects a growing trend of elite players choosing programs where they feel most comfortable and see the clearest path to success, both on and off the field.
Conclusion
Will Howard’s commitment to Ole Miss is a landmark moment for the Rebels and a major development in the 2025 recruiting cycle. For Ohio State, it’s a setback that will require a recalibration of their recruiting strategy, while for Lane Kiffin and company, it’s a validation of years of effort and vision.
As Howard prepares for his senior season of high school football, all eyes will be on his progress — and even more so, on how he’ll shape the future of Ole Miss football. One thing is certain: the quarterback battle in the SEC just got a lot more interesting.
Welcome to the Rebels family, Will Howard. The spotlight is yours.
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