Ohio State QB Will Howard Faces Unrelenting Backlash After Disastrous NFL Combine Performance

The NFL Scouting Combine is often the proving ground for college football’s top prospects, a place where elite athletes showcase their speed, strength, and skills in hopes of boosting their draft stock.

Unfortunately for Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, his performance at the 2025 NFL Combine has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

NFL fans and analysts alike have been relentless in their criticism, with many declaring his showing as one of the worst in Combine history.

A Combine Performance to Forget

Leading up to the Combine, Will Howard had been a polarizing prospect. Some scouts viewed him as a potential late-round sleeper, while others expressed concerns about his decision-making and accuracy.

However, few could have predicted the disaster that unfolded during his workout in Indianapolis.

Howard struggled in almost every measurable category.

His 40-yard dash time was shockingly slow for a modern-day quarterback, clocking in at an unofficial 5.28 seconds—one of the slowest times recorded in recent history for his position.

His vertical jump and broad jump also failed to impress, raising concerns about his athleticism and explosiveness.

However, the worst came during the throwing drills, where Howard repeatedly overthrew his receivers, missed wide-open targets, and even fumbled a snap in a non-contact setting.

For a player trying to cement himself as a viable NFL quarterback, Howard’s Combine performance did anything but help his case.

Scouts and general managers were visibly unimpressed, and social media quickly erupted with reactions from both fans and analysts.

NFL Fans React: “We All Saw This Coming”

It didn’t take long for the internet to pile on. As soon as clips of Howard’s underwhelming performance surfaced online, fans on Twitter and Reddit wasted no time in criticizing the Ohio State quarterback.

Many claimed they had predicted this outcome, citing his inconsistent college performances and lack of elite physical traits.

One Twitter user wrote, “How did Will Howard even get an invite to the Combine? We all saw this coming from miles away.” Another fan mocked his 40-yard dash time, saying, “At this point, my grandma could run a faster 40 than Will Howard.”

The jokes and memes continued to pour in, with some fans comparing his performance to that of historically underwhelming Combine participants who failed to make it in the NFL.

While some supporters of Howard defended him by arguing that one bad day shouldn’t define his career, the overwhelming sentiment online was that his draft stock had plummeted.

Did Howard Just Ruin His Draft Stock?

Before the Combine, Howard was projected as a possible late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent.

However, after his performance in Indianapolis, some experts believe he may struggle to find a team willing to take a chance on him in the draft.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah weighed in on Howard’s struggles, stating, “You never want to overreact to one bad workout, but this was about as rough as it gets for a quarterback. The margin for error is already thin when you’re not projected as a top pick, and unfortunately, he didn’t do himself any favors today.”

Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky echoed similar concerns, saying, “It’s hard to see a team investing a draft pick in a guy who looked this unprepared. He’ll have to absolutely dominate in his Pro Day and private workouts if he wants to convince teams he’s worth a shot.”

With the NFL Draft just weeks away, Howard faces an uphill battle to repair his reputation.

His Pro Day at Ohio State will be his last major opportunity to make an impression on scouts. If he fails to significantly improve, he may be forced to take the undrafted free agent route and fight for a roster spot in training camp.

What’s Next for Will Howard?

Despite the brutal reception to his Combine performance, all hope is not lost for Howard.

While the Combine is an important evaluation tool, it’s not the sole determinant of a player’s NFL future.

Many quarterbacks have struggled at the Combine only to later find success in the league through perseverance and development.

Howard’s next step will be his Ohio State Pro Day, where he’ll have a controlled environment to showcase his skills without the pressure of the Combine’s high-intensity atmosphere.

If he can put together an impressive throwing session and demonstrate improved accuracy and mechanics, he may be able to salvage some of his draft stock.

Additionally, Howard can still impress teams through individual meetings and private workouts.

NFL franchises are always on the lookout for quarterbacks who can be developed over time, and while his Combine showing was less than ideal, a team may still take a flyer on him based on potential rather than past performance.

Will Howard’s NFL Combine performance was undoubtedly a disappointment, and the backlash from fans has been harsh.

His struggles in key drills and throwing sessions have raised serious concerns about his readiness for the next level.

However, his NFL journey isn’t over just yet. If he can regroup, improve, and show resilience, there’s still a path forward for him in professional football.

The next few weeks will be crucial for Howard. Whether he bounces back or fades into obscurity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—he has a lot to prove, and the football world will be watching.