Ohio State QB Will Howard Calls Out Texas Longhorns Ahead of Cotton Bowl: “I’m Excited to Get a Crack at These Guys”
The Texas Longhorns narrowly advanced to the Cotton Bowl after surviving a tough College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl on Wednesday.
Their next challenge comes in Arlington on January 10, as they face the Ohio State Buckeyes, led by a familiar adversary — quarterback Will Howard.
Howard, who played for Kansas State from 2020 to 2023, knows the Longhorns all too well. As the Wildcats’ full-time starter in 2023, Howard led Kansas State to a 9-4 record but failed to secure
a victory against Texas in his four seasons. This Cotton Bowl matchup gives him one final opportunity to settle the score against his former Big 12 rival.
“There was one team that I never beat in the Big 12, and it was Texas, so I’m really looking forward to this game,” Howard told the Big Ten Network following Ohio State’s Rose Bowl victory. “I’ve
played them four times [and] definitely have some feelings about them. The way that we lost last year, we lost in overtime down there. I’m excited to get a crack at these guys. They’re a great football team.”
The 2023 overtime clash Howard referenced remains a highlight of his college career, despite the bitter outcome. In that game, Howard spearheaded a remarkable Kansas State comeback, erasing a 20-point deficit against
Texas to force overtime. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, with all three fourth-quarter scores coming through the air. Ultimately, the Wildcats fell short, turning the ball over on downs in overtime after holding Texas to a field goal.
For Texas, that thrilling 33-30 victory in Austin was propelled by then-backup quarterback Maalik Murphy and standout running back Jonathon Brooks. Both players delivered clutch performances to seal the win.
Now, Howard leads Ohio State into a high-stakes Cotton Bowl with a national championship berth on the line. His transfer to the Buckeyes has revitalized his career, and he’ll look to use his familiarity with Texas as an advantage.
The Longhorns, however, are eager to continue their march toward a potential championship. They’ll aim to stymie Howard once again and build on their hard-fought win over Arizona State.
Kickoff for the Cotton Bowl is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on January 10 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, promising a thrilling matchup between two powerhouse programs vying for a trip to Atlanta for the CFP National Championship.