Best 5-Star Quarterback Will Howard Decommits from Ohio State, Commits to Florida State Seminoles Over Bulldogs and Alabama
In a shocking turn of events, highly sought-after five-star quarterback Will Howard has officially decommitted from Ohio State University and flipped his commitment to Florida State University, making the Seminoles the new home for one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Howard, who has been a rising star in the recruiting world, has been heavily pursued by some of the best programs in college football, including Georgia and Alabama. However, he has now chosen the Seminoles over these powerhouse programs, signaling a major win for head coach Mike Norvell and the Florida State football program.
Will Howard’s Recruitment Journey
Will Howard, a 6’4″, 220-pound signal-caller from the heart of Texas, has been a highly regarded recruit ever since he led his high school team to a state championship game and showcased his elite arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. Over the past year, his recruitment has been a topic of intense speculation, as several of the top college football programs in the country made offers and tried to sway Howard’s decision.
As one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting class, Howard has drawn comparisons to some of the best to ever play the position due to his uncanny ability to read defenses, make pinpoint throws under pressure, and lead his team to victories. His impressive skills have made him a must-have prospect for virtually every program with aspirations of competing for national championships in the coming years.
Initially, Howard committed to Ohio State, one of the most successful programs in college football, known for its production of top-tier quarterbacks. Head coach Ryan Day had been instrumental in building the relationship with Howard, and the Buckeyes’ reputation for developing elite quarterbacks seemed like a perfect fit for the young Texan. However, in a dramatic change of direction, Howard announced on social media that he had decommitted from Ohio State, citing a desire to explore his options further and take a closer look at other schools.
The Flip to Florida State
After decommitting from Ohio State, Will Howard quickly became one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. Florida State, led by Mike Norvell, quickly made their move and became a front-runner in the race to land Howard. The Seminoles have made great strides in recent years, improving their recruiting class rankings and building a reputation for developing players into NFL-caliber talent. Norvell’s high-powered offense, combined with the team’s growing success in the ACC, became a major selling point in Howard’s decision-making process.
Howard’s decision to flip his commitment to Florida State is a huge victory for the Seminoles, who have been building momentum on the recruiting trail. This move adds another star to an already talented group of recruits coming to Tallahassee, and it’s clear that Florida State’s resurgence under Norvell is attracting top-tier talent.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Will to the Florida State family,” Norvell said in a statement after Howard’s commitment. “Will is a dynamic, game-changing quarterback with the ability to elevate those around him. We have no doubt that he will thrive in our system and help us continue to build something special here at Florida State. We can’t wait to get to work with him.”
Why Florida State?
For Will Howard, the decision to flip to Florida State was not made lightly. While both Georgia and Alabama were heavily involved in his recruitment, Howard ultimately chose the Seminoles for several key reasons. First, Florida State’s recent success on the field played a major role in his decision. The Seminoles have been trending upwards under Norvell, who has restored the program’s competitive edge in the ACC. The team’s offense has become one of the most dynamic in the conference, with a strong emphasis on a balanced attack that features both explosive passing and a powerful running game.
Additionally, Howard was drawn to the opportunity to make an immediate impact. The Seminoles have shown that they are committed to developing their quarterbacks, and Howard sees a clear path to starting for the team in the near future. With Florida State’s strong offensive line and impressive skill players, Howard will have all the tools he needs to succeed at the next level.
Another factor in Howard’s decision was the relationship he developed with Florida State’s coaching staff. Throughout his recruitment, Howard emphasized how important it was for him to have a close connection with his coaches, and Norvell and his staff have certainly impressed the young quarterback. The Seminoles’ staff made a concerted effort to show Howard that they would provide him with the support and guidance needed to excel both on and off the field.
Impact on Florida State’s Recruiting Class
Will Howard’s commitment is a massive boost to Florida State’s already impressive recruiting class. The Seminoles are consistently ranked among the top teams in the country for their 2026 class, and Howard’s commitment only solidifies their standing. With a quarterback of Howard’s caliber in the fold, Florida State will have a clear advantage over other schools in the battle for top recruits in the coming years.
For Norvell, securing Howard’s commitment is another sign that the Seminoles are back in the conversation as one of the top programs in the nation. The quarterback position is crucial to any team’s success, and with Howard at the helm, Florida State has the potential to become a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff.
The Road Ahead
As for Howard, his decision to decommit from Ohio State and commit to Florida State will undoubtedly shape his future in the college football world. He now has the opportunity to lead one of the top programs in the country and make a significant impact as soon as he steps on campus. With his talent and work ethic, Howard has the potential to become a household name in the college football world and an eventual first-round NFL draft pick.
The college football world will be closely watching Howard’s development at Florida State, as his decision to join the Seminoles is expected to be a game-changer for the program. With Howard leading the way, Florida State’s future looks incredibly bright.
For now, Florida State fans can celebrate a monumental victory in the recruiting world, welcoming Will Howard to the Seminole family and look
ing forward to the bright future ahead.