Ryan Day understands recruiting out of the NCAA Transfer Portal is its own gamble.
However, when it came to Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard last offseason, Ohio State’s head coach knew the veteran signal-caller possessed all of the necessary qualities to make him a winning bet for the Buckeyes.
Now, as Ohio State is one win away from winning its first national championship since 2014, ahead of Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Notre Dame, Day knows the Buckeyes couldn’t have asked for a better transfer quarterback from the portal.
“You never know for sure, but you do your best when putting together a roster. “You do everything you can to ensure that you have everything you need, and that the right combination of talent and culture fits,” Day said at a recent media availability in Columbus. “But with Will, Will brings so many great things to the table. And his leadership is at the forefront of it all. I know in a short period of time he’s had a huge impact on Ohio State. And I know he wants to finish this thing the right way. Because we’ve also had an impact on him in our program.
“So, I think that part has been a great marriage back and forth. I know he’s really focused on this game, he’s already jumped into the gameplan and he’s excited about playing this one.”
Through 15 games this season, Howard has been a steady and reliable presence for the Buckeyes, ranking second in the Big Ten with 3,779 yards on 72.6-percent passing and conference-best 33 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Howard also has seven rushing touchdowns on the season.
But, somehow, Howard has elevated his game during the Playoffs, throwing for 919 yards on nearly 74-percent passing with six touchdowns to two interceptions through the first three rounds.
Will Howard recalls how much communication he had with Notre Dame in transfer portal
The National Championship Game on Monday night is going to be headlined by two transfer quarterbacks, Will Howard for Ohio State and Riley Leonard for Notre Dame. In a rapidly changing sport, those transfers in key roles are another sign of the times.
Prior to their meeting in the National Championship Game, Howard revealed that he received a brief message from the Irish through the portal. However, he also stated that it appeared that Notre Dame was constantly focusing on Leonard in their own portal efforts.
“A little,” Will Howard replied. “I honestly don’t remember, but it was just the beginning of my first entry. But I believe they were pretty set on Riley. So.”
When Leonard entered the transfer portal, he requested that teams not contact him. The assumption is that he had already decided where he wanted to go.
“I think Riley made his decision pretty quickly,” Ryan Day said. “But he is someone I’ve admired from afar. Just how he competes. He’s an excellent athlete. He’s got a great mindset. Again, watching him play this year and seeing the toughness and leadership he provides. You can tell that the offense and the entire team are feeding off of him. So much respect for his game.”
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