Overview of the Trend
Recently, the name 'Will Howard' has surged in popularity across social media and search engines, receiving over 2000+ traffic hits. Howard, the Kansas State Wildcats' starting quarterback, has been making headlines due to his dynamic performances on the field, leading one of the most exciting offenses in college football. As Kansas State pushes forward in the 2023 season, Howard's name is being mentioned alongside some of the best quarterbacks in the NCAA, and his influence on the Wildcats' success is undeniable.
In addition to his personal achievements, discussions about offensive strategies and comparisons to similar systems in other major college football programs, like Chip Kelly's offense at Ohio State, have further fueled the conversation around Howard. This article will explore why Will Howard is currently trending and how the discourse surrounding offensive systems in college football connects to his rise.
Who is Will Howard?
Will Howard is the starting quarterback for the Kansas State Wildcats, a team that competes in the Big 12 Conference. Howard has been praised for his leadership, arm strength, and ability to read defenses, which has carried the Wildcats through crucial games. His performances have not only impressed Kansas State fans but also garnered national attention, as Howard keeps putting up significant stats and helping his team secure victories.
While Kansas State has a well-rounded team, Howard's role as the quarterback has been central to their offensive success. His ability to make quick decisions, paired with his strong arm and physicality, makes him a dual-threat quarterback capable of beating defenses through both the air and on the ground. This versatility has drawn comparisons to other great college quarterbacks and prompted analysts to evaluate his future potential in professional football.
The Broader Conversation Around Offensive Strategies
Will Howard's success is being discussed alongside broader conversations about offensive systems in college football. Programs like Ohio State, coached by Ryan Day, and UCLA, led by Chip Kelly, have been points of comparison due to their innovative offensive approaches. A key reason for Howard's rise to prominence is Kansas State's offensive system, which, like Kelly's and Day's programs, emphasizes a balance between a strong running game and an explosive passing attack.
In a recent article titled Comparing Chip Kelly's offense: 2024 Ohio State vs. 2023 UCLA, the discussion revolves around how Chip Kelly's offensive schemes, which emphasize running and passing cohesion, are being adopted at Ohio State. This is particularly relevant to the conversation about Will Howard because Kansas State's offense also thrives on this type of balance. The Wildcats' use of both the run and pass game, with Howard at the helm, mirrors the strategic approaches seen in programs like Ohio State and UCLA.
In fact, an Offensive Film Study - Kelly in Full Control highlights how Chip Kelly's arrival at Ohio State has transformed their offensive system. The report notes that a successful offense must feature cohesion between its passing and running games, a principle that has been evident in Kansas State's recent offensive success with Howard commanding the backfield. Kansas State's ability to use Howard’s passing prowess while keeping defenses honest with a potent rushing attack is a textbook example of this philosophy in action.
Ryan Day on Chip Kelly's Influence and Offensive Systems
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has also weighed in on the growing influence of Chip Kelly's offensive philosophy. In the article Ohio State Buckeyes' Ryan Day Speaks Out About Chip Kelly's Debut, Day discusses the impact Kelly's strategies have had on Ohio State's offense. The emphasis on blending a diverse running game with a dynamic passing attack is something that Day believes is crucial for success in college football.
This sentiment aligns closely with Kansas State's current offensive structure under Howard. The Wildcats have successfully implemented a balanced offense that takes advantage of Howard’s talents while keeping defenses on their toes. Like Ohio State, Kansas State’s offensive cohesion, led by Howard, has become a key factor in their ability to compete at the highest levels of college football.
Conclusion: Will Howard's Rise and the Future of College Football Offenses
Will Howard’s rise to prominence at Kansas State is a result of both his individual talent and the system he operates within. As college football continues to evolve, the importance of a balanced, cohesive offensive system cannot be overstated. Comparisons to programs like Ohio State and UCLA show how vital it is for teams to integrate their running and passing games effectively, a strategy that has paid off for Kansas State with Howard at the center.
As Howard continues to shine, expect his name to remain in the headlines, particularly as Kansas State pushes toward post-season play. His leadership, skill set, and the Wildcats' offensive strategy will be crucial to their continued success. Moreover, Howard’s performances have sparked broader discussions about the importance of offensive cohesion in college football, a topic that will surely remain relevant as more teams adopt similar approaches.