The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted numerous players from prestigious college programs throughout the years. One of the latest is none other than former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, with Howard expected to begin the 2025 season as the third-string quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Howard was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the rookie will learn behind one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game of football.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers QB Will Howard during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Ohio State had multiple players from the 2024 National Championship winning team get drafted in April. Howard’s former teammate, Emeka Egbuka, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 19th overall pick.
Egbuka was one of Howard’s favorite targets during their times with the Buckeyes, and he has a real chance at emerging as a top wide receiver from his draft class. Egbuka spoke to the media in regards to a conversation he recently had with Howard, where the rookie receiver claims Howard spoke to him about his relationship so far with Rodgers in the Steelers’ quarterback room.
Jay LaPrete / Associated Press
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka hauls in a pass for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Egbuka said that Howard told him that Rodgers has been pouring into him constantly and the rookie quarterback is like a sponge in the way he absorbs information from the 21 year veteran.
“From what I hear from Will, we talk, and apparently Aaron [Rodgers] is pouring into him constantly, and Will is just a sponge.” Egbuka stated. “He’s gonna absorb everything that Aaron is giving him, all the knowledge and all the experience.”
Egbuka continued to say the knowledge that Rodgers will give to Howard is borrowed, and not bought.
“He’s not gonna forget it. It’s gonna be borrowed knowledge, not bought.”
Egbuka was a superstar at Ohio State. The wide receiver was considered to be one of the best in the country at his position. The rookie should have a promising year with Baker Mayfield throwing him the ball in Tampa Bay, and he finds himself playing behind two legendary veterans in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Egbuka is has a chance to make a true impact this season unlike Howard, as the quarterback will likely not find himself on the field at any point during the regular season.
Rodgers pouring into Howard is a great thing for fans to hear. Rodgers is a four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer, and many would argue that Howard is in the best situation that a rookie quarterback could possibly be in. The former Buckeye will truly benefit from playing behind a quarterback of Rodgers’ caliber and Howard will get his chance to prove himself at a later point in his career.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers’ Will Howard Could Still Play In The Preseason Once Fully Recovered
Howard suffered a broken finger a few weeks ago at training camp, with Head Coach Mike Tomlin listing the rookie as “week to week”. The Ohio State legend could still play towards the end of the preseason however, as Howard’s injury is not considered to affect him long-term. Howard would benefit greatly from getting preseason reps and the rookie is expected to be out there as soon as the finger has made a full recovery.
Fans have anticipated Howard making his preseason debut since he was drafted. Both Steelers fans and Ohio State fans have continued to anxiously wait for the rookie to make his first NFL appearance, with hope remaining high that Howard will be out there at some point prior to week 1. The rookie quarterback has still not taken a snap in a regular game since the National Championship and may have to continue waiting should the injury prove to take longer to recover than expected.
Howard will not be on the field much this season unlike Egbuka who will almost certainly make an impact throughout his rookie year. Rodgers’ mentorship could go a long way, and the veteran quarterback is expected to continue talking Howard through his entire rookie season. Howard is expected to make his Steelers’ debut at a later date, but still finds himself with a possible chance of playing before Week 1.