Breaking News: Sean Payton Will Howard (6’4”, 236 lbs) Decommits from Ohio State Buckeyes and Chooses Nebraska Cornhuskers Over Georgia Bulldogs and Missouri Tigers
In a surprising turn of events, highly-rated quarterback Sean Payton Will Howard, standing at an impressive 6’4” and weighing 236 pounds, has announced that he will be decommitting from the Ohio State Buckeyes and joining the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This decision has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, as Howard was previously considered one of Ohio State’s top prospects for the future. The decision comes after a closely watched recruitment process, with significant interest from several powerhouse programs, including the Georgia Bulldogs and Missouri Tigers.
Sean Payton Will Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State has raised eyebrows within the college football community. A native of Kansas, Howard had originally committed to Ohio State as part of their 2025 recruiting class. As a highly sought-after dual-threat quarterback, Howard’s decision was seen as a major win for the Buckeyes, who have long been known for producing top-tier quarterbacks. His decommitment, however, changes the trajectory of Ohio State’s recruiting class and leaves the Buckeyes scrambling to find a suitable replacement.
While Howard’s decision may come as a shock, it is not entirely unexpected. Recruiting can be a fluid process, with commitments often wavering due to various factors, including coaching changes, the promise of playing time, and the overall fit within a program’s system. In this case, it appears that Howard was drawn to other factors, most notably the opportunity to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, a program that has experienced a resurgence in recent years under head coach Matt Rhule.
Howard’s decision to ultimately commit to Nebraska over powerhouse programs like Georgia and Missouri speaks volumes about the Cornhuskers’ ongoing rebuilding efforts under Rhule’s leadership. The Cornhuskers have been one of the most storied programs in college football history, but they’ve struggled in recent years to return to prominence in the competitive Big Ten Conference.
Under Rhule, however, Nebraska has shown signs of improvement. With a focus on revitalizing the program and building a foundation for long-term success, the Cornhuskers have become an attractive option for top-tier recruits. Howard, who had previously visited Lincoln, has expressed a strong connection to the coaching staff and the direction of the program. His decision to commit to Nebraska suggests that he believes in what Rhule is building and is excited about the prospect of being part of that journey.
Additionally, Howard likely sees an immediate opportunity to play early at Nebraska. While the Cornhuskers have shown improvement, they are still in need of a quarterback who can lead them back to national contention. Nebraska has had struggles at the quarterback position in recent years, and Howard’s skill set could provide a much-needed boost to the program. At 6’4”, 236 pounds, Howard is a physical specimen who can excel both in the pocket and on the move. His combination of size, mobility, and arm strength gives him the tools to thrive in a variety of offensive systems, and it’s easy to see why Nebraska would want to make him a centerpiece of their future.
Although Nebraska was ultimately Howard’s choice, he had no shortage of options, with several elite programs courting him throughout the recruiting process. The Georgia Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, have been one of the most successful teams in recent college football history. Georgia’s tradition of developing elite quarterbacks, combined with their dominance in the SEC, made them a formidable competitor in the recruitment of Howard. The Bulldogs have long been a national title contender, and the idea of playing for one of the most prestigious programs in the country would certainly have been enticing to Howard.
Likewise, the Missouri Tigers, another SEC program, also made a strong push for Howard’s services. Missouri has shown significant strides in recent years under head coach Eli Drinkwitz, with the Tigers emerging as a competitive force in the SEC East. Missouri’s offensive system, combined with their ability to develop quarterbacks, could have provided Howard with an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the field.
Despite these strong competitors, Howard ultimately chose Nebraska, a decision that will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the Cornhuskers’ program. In addition to his impressive physical attributes, Howard is known for his high football IQ and leadership qualities, which will make him an important player in Nebraska’s future.
For Nebraska, this is a huge win in their efforts to rebuild and return to prominence in college football. Landing a high-profile quarterback like Howard shows that the Cornhuskers are making strides under Matt Rhule, who is already known for his success in rebuilding programs (most notably at Baylor). Rhule’s ability to land a top-tier recruit like Howard speaks volumes about his recruiting acumen and the belief that players have in his vision for the program.
Howard’s commitment also gives the Cornhuskers an immediate focal point for future recruiting classes. As a highly visible and sought-after quarterback, Howard’s decision to choose Nebraska will undoubtedly make the Cornhuskers an even more attractive destination for other top recruits. Nebraska’s ability to land such a coveted quarterback is a step toward re-establishing themselves as a powerhouse in college football.
Sean Payton Will Howard’s decision to decommit from Ohio State and commit to Nebraska is a major development in the college football recruiting world. With his physical tools and potential to be a game-changing quarterback, Howard is poised to play a pivotal role in the Cornhuskers’ future. Nebraska’s coaching staff, led by Matt Rhule, has secured a talented and highly promising quarterback who could be the cornerstone of the team’s resurgence in the coming years. The Cornhuskers’ future is looking brighter than ever, and Howard’s commitment marks a new chapter in the program’s history.
