Ex-Ohio State Star Will Howard Gets Support from Shedeur Sanders Amid Harsh Scouting Combine Criticism

NFL prospect Will Howard found himself at the center of attention during this year’s scouting combine, and not necessarily for the right reasons. The former Ohio State quarterback showcased his strong arm during drills but faced a wave of backlash on social media for what critics called one of the "worst" performances in combine history. Yikes.

Amid the noise, there was at least one voice of support: Shedeur Sanders. Sanders, who is expected to be a top pick in the upcoming draft, came to Howard’s defense in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "I don’t understand y’all hating on @whoward_ he just won a natty. It’s hard to throw to WR’s that you don’t know, everyone run routes different!" Sanders wrote. And honestly, he’s got a point. Throwing to unfamiliar receivers under the glaring combine spotlight is no walk in the park.

Not everyone was quick to pile on Howard. NFL Network’s draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah offered a more balanced take, describing Howard’s performance as "solid." Sure, some of his throws were flat, but Jeremiah noted the quarterback looked "very comfortable from under center."

Howard’s journey to this pivotal moment has been nothing short of impressive. After transferring from Kansas State to Ohio State in 2024, he led the Buckeyes to a national championship in his first season. In that campaign, he racked up 4,010 passing yards and 35 touchdown passes, cementing himself as a key player.

At the combine, Howard’s numbers were decent: a 31.5-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-4-inch broad jump, a 7.13-second cone drill, and a 4.33-second 20-yard shuttle. While these stats might not scream "first-round pick," they’re solid enough to keep his draft hopes alive, possibly as a Day 2 or Day 3 pick. That said, the days leading up to the draft might hold some surprises.

As Sanders pointed out, Howard has already proven he can perform when it counts. Whether he can translate that into a successful NFL career is the next chapter in this unfolding story.