Breaking news: In the aftermath of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard faced criticism for his inconsistent throwing performance during the event.

Breaking news: In the aftermath of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard faced criticism for his inconsistent throwing performance during the event.

Howard, who led the Buckeyes to a national championship in the previous season, opted to participate in the throwing drills at the combine—a decision not all top quarterback prospects made. His performance included both accurate completions and notable misses, particularly on deep throws, leading to mixed reviews from analysts and fans alike.

Amid the scrutiny, fellow quarterback and potential No. 1 overall draft pick Shedeur Sanders came to Howard’s defense. Sanders, who chose not to throw at the combine and instead plans to showcase his skills at his Pro Day, took to social media to support Howard. He highlighted the challenges quarterbacks face when throwing to unfamiliar receivers in a high-pressure environment like the combine. Sanders tweeted: “I don’t understand y’all hating on Will Howard he just won a natty. It’s hard to throw to WR’s that you don’t know, everyone run routes different!”

This sentiment underscores a common critique of the combine’s structure, where quarterbacks are required to throw to receivers they have little to no chemistry with, potentially impacting their performance. Sanders’ decision to abstain from throwing at the combine, along with other top prospects like Cam Ward, reflects a strategic choice to perform in more controlled environments, such as their respective Pro Days, where they can work with familiar receivers.

Howard, reflecting on his performance, acknowledged areas for improvement but remained optimistic. He stated, “I felt decent. I’m my own biggest critic, so I feel like there were some things I could clean up. But overall, I think I showed that I can spin the ball with the best.” He also expressed eagerness for his upcoming Pro Day to further demonstrate his abilities.

During his senior season, Howard completed 73.1% of his passes, amassing 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His leadership was pivotal in Ohio State’s successful championship run. Despite the recent criticism, many analysts believe that Howard’s on-field accomplishments and resilience under pressure will weigh heavily in his favor as the draft approaches.

Sanders’ public support not only highlights the camaraderie among quarterback prospects but also brings attention to the unique challenges of the NFL Scouting Combine. As the draft nears, performances at Pro Days and individual workouts will likely play a significant role in shaping team evaluations, offering players like Howard an opportunity to solidify their draft status.