Will Howard Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Will Howard

William “Will” Thomas Howard is a prominent American professional football quarterback, widely recognized for his impactful collegiate career with the Kansas State Wildcats and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Known for his exceptional leadership and dual-threat capabilities, Howard significantly elevated both programs, culminating in a historic 2024 season with Ohio State where he led the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff National Championship victory. His impressive collegiate performance paved the way for his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional journey.

Will Howard Overview

Early Life and Education of Will Howard

William “Will” Thomas Howard was born on September 24, 2001, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where his athletic prowess became evident from a young age. His parents, Bob and Maureen Howard, noticed his natural sports skills as early as two years old, observing him confidently making baskets in their basement. His mother, Maureen, holds a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Temple University, while his father, Bob, earned a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Villanova University. Together, his parents also co-founded the Baby Merlin Company, a family business that developed the “Magic Sleepsuit,” an Amazon bestseller, which they later sold in 2021. This upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and appreciation for effort in Will.

Howard attended Downingtown West High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete in both football and basketball. On the football field, he amassed impressive statistics during his prep career, throwing for 5,308 yards and 48 touchdowns, while also rushing for 512 yards and 21 touchdowns. His senior year was particularly standout, as he threw for 2,543 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading Downingtown West to a 13-2 record and a trip to the state semifinals. For his exceptional performance, he was named the Maxwell Football Club Pennsylvania Player of the Year and the All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Beyond football, Howard was a decorated basketball player, earning two all-area honors and scoring over 1,000 points in his high school career. Despite being a highly-rated three-star recruit with over 20 scholarship offers, Howard harbored a childhood dream of playing for Penn State, but the university ultimately did not offer him a scholarship. He ultimately chose to commit to Kansas State.

Will Howard’s Career

Will Howard embarked on his collegiate football journey by enrolling early at Kansas State University in January 2020. He began his freshman season as the backup quarterback but was thrust into a starting role for the final seven games after the primary starter, Skylar Thompson, suffered a serious injury. Howard made history by becoming the first true freshman quarterback in Kansas State’s history to secure a win in his first-ever road start. In his freshman year, he completed 90 of 168 passes for 1,178 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions, additionally rushing for 364 yards and three touchdowns. He set a school record for passing touchdowns by a freshman, with his passing yardage and total offense ranking third among freshmen, and he was the only quarterback to be in the top five for freshman rushing yards.

During his sophomore year in 2021, Howard continued as Thompson’s backup, playing in six games with three starts. His junior season in 2022 marked a significant turning point; despite initially being named as a potential redshirt candidate and seeing Adrian Martinez named the starter, Howard stepped in due to Martinez’s injury against TCU and led the Wildcats on four consecutive touchdown drives. He then became the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, including the Big 12 Championship victory over TCU and the Sugar Bowl against Alabama. He threw for 1,633 yards and 15 touchdowns with just four interceptions on 119-of-199 passing, also rushing for three touchdowns. His performance earned him a ranking of eighth in school history for passing efficiency at 149.6, and he achieved the longest streak by a Wildcat in a single season with multiple touchdown passes in six consecutive games. In 2023, Howard continued as the primary starter, leading Kansas State to a successful season, throwing for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while adding 351 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He set Kansas State’s career record for touchdown passes with 48. He also tied the school’s single-season record with 24 touchdown passes in 2023.

On November 27, 2023, Howard entered the NCAA transfer portal, eventually committing to Ohio State University on January 4, 2024, for his senior season. He was named Ohio State’s starting quarterback on August 5, 2024. His 2024 season with the Buckeyes was highly successful, leading the team to a school-record 14-win season and the College Football Playoff National Championship. In his sole season at Ohio State, Howard set career highs in passing yards (4,010), passing touchdowns (35), and completion percentage (73%), which also set a new single-season school record for Ohio State. He was named the Offensive MVP in both the CFP semifinals at the Cotton Bowl (against Texas) and the CFP National Championship game (against Notre Dame). Throughout his entire college career, spanning five seasons with Kansas State and Ohio State, Will Howard played in 50 games, completing 767 of 1,202 passes for 9,796 yards, and 83 touchdowns.

Following his stellar collegiate career, Will Howard was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the 185th overall pick. Shortly after being drafted, he appeared on former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger‘s podcast, where it was revealed that Roethlisberger would serve as a mentor to him. On August 5, 2025, Howard sustained a fractured hand during a Steelers practice, an injury that did not require surgery but necessitated him to sit out of practice for three weeks, thereby precluding his participation in preseason games.

Will Howard Personal Life & Family

Will Howard maintains a close relationship with his family, who have been steadfast supporters throughout his football journey. His parents are Bob and Maureen Howard. Maureen, his mother, has a Master’s degree in physical therapy, and his father, Bob, holds a Master’s in counseling psychology. Together, they founded the Baby Merlin Company, known for the “Magic Sleepsuit,” which was sold in 2021. Will has three siblings: Tori, Ryan, and Grace. His younger brother, Ryan, also plays football at Kansas State. His family’s commitment to attending his games, despite the distances, has been a significant source of support, especially during his transfer from Kansas State to Ohio State. Howard identifies as Christian and has publicly expressed his gratitude to God for his success, notably after leading Ohio State to victory in the Rose Bowl.

As of early 2025, Will Howard is in a relationship with Lauren Leiker. The couple reportedly began dating in 2023 when Howard was still at Kansas State and made their relationship public on Instagram. Lauren Leiker, who is from Kansas, earned a degree in human health biology and integrative health services from Kansas State in 2023 and works as a physician assistant at Johnson County Dermatology. Their relationship gained public attention, particularly after a viral kiss following Ohio State’s Rose Bowl victory in January 2025.

Awards and Achievements of Will Howard

Will Howard has accumulated a notable list of awards and achievements throughout his high school and collegiate football careers:

• Maxwell Football Club Pennsylvania Player of the Year
• All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year
• Punt Pass & Kick Competition Winner (2014)
• Maxwell Football Club 2022 Get in the Game Impact Award (for community efforts)

Collegiate Honors

• Big 12 Champion (2022)
• Second-team All-Big 12 (Coaches, 2023)
• Academic All-Big 12 (2021, 2022, 2023)
• CFP National Champion (2024)
• CFP National Championship game Offensive MVP (2024)
• CFP Semifinals at the Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP (2024)
• Third-team All-Big Ten Conference (2024)
• Kansas State University career record for touchdown passes (48)
• Tied Kansas State University single-season record for touchdown passes (24, 2023)
• Ohio State University single-season completion percentage record (73%, 2024)

Will Howard Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Will Howard’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $7 million. This substantial figure reflects his success both on and off the field, primarily through his collegiate athletic achievements and lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. His NIL valuation has reached an estimated $1.2 million to $1.4 million, placing him among the top earners in college sports.

Howard has strategically leveraged his growing fame and marketability to secure partnerships across various industries. His NIL portfolio includes deals with notable brands such as Grippo’s Chips, Ricart Automotive, and Raising Cane’s, where he was featured in an advertisement alongside teammate Jack Sawyer. He also has endorsements with JLab, Long McArthur Luxury (a high-end car dealership), and ONIT Athlete, a company specializing in athletic performance supplements and training gear. These diverse partnerships highlight his broad appeal and influence. As he transitions into his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his earning potential is expected to increase significantly, combining an NFL salary with continued endorsement opportunities.

Legacy and Influence

Will Howard’s legacy is marked by his transformative impact on the college football programs he represented and his dedication to community engagement. At Kansas State, he etched his name in the record books, notably setting the school’s career record for touchdown passes, and leading the Wildcats to a significant Big 12 Championship in 2022. His leadership and performance were crucial in these successes, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the program’s history.

His transfer to Ohio State in 2024 further solidified his influence on the national stage. Tasked with leading a high-profile program with championship aspirations, Howard delivered by guiding the Buckeyes to a school-record 14-win season and a College Football Playoff National Championship. His ability to quickly adapt to a new team and system, coupled with his on-field leadership, underscored his capacity to elevate a team to the pinnacle of collegiate success. He set an Ohio State school record for single-season completion percentage, demonstrating his refined skills and impact.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Howard has also made a conscious effort to give back to the community. While at Kansas State, he partnered with assistant head coach Van Malone to spearhead efforts to bring the Be A Match program and the Andy Talley Bone Marrow Foundation to campus, educating students about blood cancers and the importance of bone marrow and stem cell transplants. For these contributions, he and Malone were recognized with the 2022 Get in the Game Impact Award by the Maxwell Football Club. He also hosted his first “Impact Camp” in his hometown of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, in 2023, aiming to positively influence young athletes. His public expressions of faith after significant victories also showcase a personal dimension to his public image, indicating a grounded and appreciative perspective on his achievements.

Interesting Facts about Will Howard

• Dual-Sport High School Star: Beyond his football success, Will Howard was also an accomplished basketball player in high school, scoring over 1,000 career points and earning multiple all-area honors.
• Penn State Fan Turned Buckeye: Howard grew up as a huge fan of Penn State and aspired to play for them, but he was not recruited by the Nittany Lions. He later returned to Pennsylvania to play against them as the starting quarterback for Ohio State, describing it as a “homecoming.”
• Family Business Connection: His parents co-founded the Baby Merlin Company, which created the “Magic Sleepsuit” to help Will sleep better as a baby. The company became a successful venture, which they later sold in 2021.
• Mentorship from a Steelers Legend: Upon being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was revealed that former Steelers’ Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would serve as a mentor to Howard.
• A Leader in Community Efforts: Howard was a recipient of the Maxwell Football Club’s “Get in the Game Impact Award” in 2022 for his leadership in community initiatives, particularly those related to bone marrow donation.
• Expresses Faith Publicly: After leading Ohio State to a victory in the Rose Bowl, Howard publicly thanked God, demonstrating his faith as a component of his success.

Controversies

While Will Howard’s career has been largely free of major controversies, there were some discussions and projections regarding his performance ahead of his 2024 season with Ohio State. Initially, some projections from sources like RotoWire were “not very flattering,” estimating him to throw for 3,102 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, and rush for 226 yards and four touchdowns. These projections were considered “a bit low” given Ohio State’s championship aspirations. However, Howard ultimately exceeded these expectations by leading the Buckeyes to a CFP National Championship, throwing for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns, and setting a school record for completion percentage. This demonstrated his ability to overcome external doubts and perform at a high level under pressure.

Social Media Presence

Will Howard maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing updates on his career and personal life. As of January 2025, his Instagram account (@willhoward) had approximately 131,000 followers. This platform is often used to share insights into his training, game-day experiences, and moments with family and his girlfriend, Lauren Leiker. His social media engagement reflects his growing public profile as a successful collegiate athlete transitioning to the NFL.

Final Words about Will Howard

Will Howard has carved out an impressive narrative in American football, marked by resilience, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. From his early days as a multi-sport high school standout in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, to becoming a record-setting quarterback at Kansas State and a National Champion at Ohio State, Howard has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest levels. His transfer to Ohio State for his final collegiate season proved to be a pivotal decision, culminating in a College Football Playoff National Championship and cementing his legacy as one of the most impactful quarterbacks of his class.

As an NFL rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Howard is currently navigating the initial challenges of his professional career, including a fractured hand sustained in practice. However, with the mentorship of a seasoned veteran like Ben Roethlisberger and his proven track record of overcoming adversity, the future holds considerable promise for him. His influence extends beyond the gridiron, characterized by his community involvement and strong family values. Will Howard’s journey underscores the power of dedication and the profound impact an athlete can have, both on their team and in their wider community, setting a compelling precedent for his ongoing career in the NFL. His unwavering spirit and leadership suggest a bright future, poised to continue making significant contributions to the sport.