College football recruiting landscape, five-star quarterback Will Howard (6’4″, 236 lbs) has officially announced his commitment to the Ole Miss Rebels. Howard, a highly coveted prospect in the 2026 recruiting class, had previously pledged his allegiance to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
However, in a significant and highly publicized flip, Howard has chosen to take his considerable talents to Oxford, Mississippi, selecting the Rebels over perennial powerhouse programs like the Georgia Bulldogs and the rapidly ascending Colorado Buffaloes.
This decision marks a monumental recruiting victory for head coach Lane Kiffin and the entire Ole Miss coaching staff, signaling a major coup for the program’s future.
Howard’s decommitment from Ohio State and his subsequent pledge to Ole Miss represent a massive win for the Rebels. Landing a quarterback of Howard’s exceptional caliber, a consensus five-star recruit widely regarded as one of the top signal-callers in the nation for the 2026 cycle, is a clear indication of the program’s burgeoning momentum and increasing national appeal under the guidance of Coach Kiffin.
Howard is renowned for his impressive arm strength, his surprising athleticism for his size, and his natural leadership qualities, all of which make him an ideal fit for the Rebels’ dynamic and high-powered offensive scheme.
His decision to commit to Ole Miss over established national championship contenders like Georgia speaks volumes about the program’s current trajectory and the compelling vision that Lane Kiffin has articulated for the future of the Rebels’ football program.
The impact of Howard’s commitment extends far beyond the confines of Oxford. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, losing a five-star quarterback commit of Howard’s stature is undoubtedly a significant blow to their recruiting efforts for the 2026 class.
The Buckeyes’ coaching staff will now be forced to reassess their quarterback board and aggressively pursue other top-tier targets to fill that crucial position and maintain their traditionally high recruiting standards. Similarly, both the Georgia Bulldogs and the Colorado Buffaloes, who were also considered finalists in Howard’s highly anticipated recruitment, will undoubtedly be disappointed to miss out on securing the commitment of such a highly touted prospect.
Howard’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the fiercely competitive nature of high-stakes college football recruiting and the constant battles that programs at the highest level face to identify, attract, and ultimately secure the commitments of elite talent.
Will Howard’s commitment to the Ole Miss Rebels is widely expected to have both an immediate and a long-lasting positive impact on the program’s trajectory. He is projected to be a focal point of their offense for years to come, and his arrival in Oxford will undoubtedly elevate the team’s profile and national visibility on the college football landscape.
Furthermore, Howard’s decision to join the Rebels could also have a significant ripple effect on their future recruiting efforts, potentially attracting other highly rated recruits who are eager to play alongside a quarterback of his caliber and within Kiffin’s exciting offensive system. For the Ole Miss fanbase, this news is a reason for immense excitement and renewed optimism about the future of their football program under the leadership of Lane Kiffin.
The addition of a five-star quarterback like Will Howard sends a bold and resounding statement of intent from the Ole Miss Rebels as they aim to consistently compete for championships within the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference and ultimately on the national stage.
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