Pat McAfee is now in the business of making headlines, post-NFL career.

He’s become one of the most prominent names in all of sports media and has become Aaron Rodgers‘ go-to guy.

That’s landed both the New York Jets quarterback and McAfee in some hot water recently (more on that later), but one thing is clear — while McAfee has developed a cult following, plenty also hate him.

The former NFL punter sports analyst has even made note that he isn’t sure of his future on ESPN’s “College GameDay” because of the naysayers he has.

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But one of those naysayers, McAfee believes, is somebody at ESPN, which simulcasts his show.

McAfee said that someone rather important at the network is trying to “sabotage” him and the show, name-dropping executive senior vice president of studio and event production Norby Williamson.

“There are folks actively trying to sabotage us from within ESPN. More specifically, I believe Norby Williamson is the guy attempting to sabotage our program. I’m not 100% sure — that is just seemingly the only human that has information, and then somehow that information gets leaked and it’s wrong, and then it sets a narrative of what our show is,” McAfee said on Friday’s show, which was being broadcast on the network.

“And then are we just going to combat that from a rat every single time?”

McAfee noted a “sabotage attempt” in which someone tried to release inaccurate ratings of the show because they were made public.

“it’s been happening basically this entire season from some people who didn’t necessarily love the old addition of the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ to the ESPN family,” he continued, citing “anonymous” quotes in other outlets.

McAfee said he and Williamson have “zero respect” for each other.

The ESPN logo, displayed on a phone screen, and a basketball are seen in a photo taken in Krakow, Poland, on Dec. 1, 2022.  (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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“That guy left me in his office for 45 minutes and no-showed me in 2018, so this guy has had zero respect for me, and in return, same thing back to him for a long time,” he said.

But even with the “rat,” McAfee said his show is “still growing somehow.”

“So we’re very thankful. I think we’re doing it right. We’re trying to do it as right as possible. We have good intentions every single time we come in here. We don’t always get it right, but motherf—ers been getting it wrong for a long time in this specific field. Long time,” he said.

“We’re having a good time. We’re lucky to do this, obviously. Sports are amazing. They’re supposed to unify. If you look at our demo, I think we’re one of the most unified shows that’s ever been allowed on TV from political backgrounds, religion backgrounds. These ratings are stupid, who knows what they actually mean, but we’re thankful that a lot of people allegedly watch our show.”

ESPN declined comment.

Pat McAfee is introduced prior to the WWE Royal Rumble at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Jan. 28, 2023.  (Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

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The show put itself in hot water this week when Rodgers, a weekly guest on the program, said that Jimmy Kimmel should be “really hoping [the Jeffrey Epstein list] doesn’t come out.”

McAfee, a former Indianapolis Colts punter, equated the comments Rodgers made as an attempt to “talk s—” and apologized for “being a part of” the drama that came about afterward.

“We obviously don’t like the fact that we’re associated with anything negative ever. We like our show to be an uplifting one. A happy one. A fun one. But it’s because we talk s— and try to make light of everything, some things obviously people get very p—ed off about, especially when they’re that serious of allegations,” he said.

Pat McAfee attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s “Quarterback” at Tudum Theater in Hollywood, California, on July 11, 2023. (JC Olivera/Getty Images)

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McAfee added, “Hopefully those two will be able to settle this.”

ESPN apologized for Rodgers’ comments earlier Friday.

“Aaron made a dumb and factually inaccurate joke about Jimmy Kimmel. It should never have happened. We all realized that in the moment,” ESPN senior vice president of digital and studio production Mike Foss said, via Front Office Sports.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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The Washington Commanders are putting the final touches on preparations for Sunday’s divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys. 

The Commanders have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but the game likely still carries significance for fourth-year Washington coach Ron Rivera.

After a nine-year run with the Carolina Panthers, Rivera took over as head coach in Washington in 2020. 

The team managed to win the NFC East division in Rivera’s first year despite ending the year with a 7-9 record.

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Billionaire Josh Harris took over as the franchise’s controlling owner before the 2023 season began, and the team’s lack of success over the past four years has fueled speculation Rivera will likely not be retained.

Controversial former team owner Daniel Snyder hired Martin Mayhew as the general manger in 2021 but allowed Rivera to have final say on football matters. On Friday, Rivera acknowledged Harris plans to split the general manager and coaching duties, with a fresh start coming for the organization in the next few weeks.

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“It’ll be separate, and that, I think, is going to be really good,” Rivera said after running his final practice of the year and, possibly, his NFL career.

The respected coaching veteran, who turns 62 Sunday and could be dismissed as early as Monday morning, had largely been reluctant to talk about his tenure in Washington. He got wrapped up in the day-to-day coaching that ramped up after Thanksgiving when he fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and started calling the defensive plays.

Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders talks with referee Bill Vinovich (52) prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium Nov. 23, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.  (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Being back in the thick of coaching after 3½ years of what he called “managing” gave Rivera a thrill and reminded him how much he missed a hands-on approach.

“I had certain responsibilities before that — you get pulled away from certain things,” Rivera said. “You got to deal with certain things. You got to respond to certain things. You got to correct or set up. So, that was different. But being in the middle of it now, yeah, that’s kind of cool.”

The Commanders have dropped seven consecutive games. But team leaders never sensed anything from Rivera about giving up on a lost season, even knowing it was unlikely he would return.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field Oct. 1, 2023, in Philadelphia.  (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

“He’s been very encouraging of us,” top wide receiver Terry McLaurin said. “He hasn’t really come down with a bad demeanor or a ‘woe is me’ attitude because of our season. I think we all know we’ve had a hand in where we’re at, but he’s just kept things consistent for us.”

First-year Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has adopted a similar approach of digging into his job and not addressing his uncertain future. 

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After arriving in Washington to show what he could do without Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, Bieniemy appears to be in no man’s land. Despite his success in Kansas City, Bieniemy has yet to land a head coaching job in the NFL.

“The only thing I can worry about and control is today,” Bieniemy said Thursday. “You can only live in this particular moment. You can’t worry about tomorrow. You can take care of tomorrow when tomorrow gets here.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Aaron Rodgers played just four snaps for the New York Jets in 2023 after tearing his Achilles in a game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 of the NFL season. 

Despite the major injury, Rodgers’ bid to return to the field in record time was the main storyline of the Jets’ season as they attempted to stay in playoff contention. 

Rodgers returned to practice in late November but ruled out a return after the Jets were eliminated from the playoffs. 

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On Friday, Rodgers was voted by his teammates as the Jets’ most inspirational player. 

“He wanted to be here,” head coach Robert Saleh said, according to the Jets website. “I think he’s sacrificed so much already for the organization and himself and his teammates, and he’s doing it again. I think it’s a testament to who he is as a human. Yeah, obviously, there’s a little bit of that drive where he wants to prove that it can be done faster than anyone’s ever done before. That’s OK. That is just part of his mental makeup. 

“I think he still runs with a chip on his shoulder, and that’s the way he lives his life, where he always wants to prove people wrong, in terms of doubting him and he’s a special human. I think his actions are showing and how much he appreciates this organization and everything around it.”

New York traded for the four-time MVP in the offseason, looking for a quarterback to put them over the top with a championship-level defense. 

Aaron Rodgers, #8 of the New York Jets, looks on prior to playing the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 28, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.  (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

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After drafting Zach Wilson with the second-overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jets looked to give Wilson a reset behind Rodgers after two disappointing seasons. 

The plan was quickly foiled as Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon on just the fourth play from scrimmage against the Bills on Monday Night Football. 

Wilson took over under center before being benched for Weeks 12 and 13 as Tim Boyle got the start. Wilson returned in Week 14 against the Houston Texans before suffering a concussion the following week. 

Rodgers has made it clear that he will return in 2024 and possibly 2025 in a December appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

Aaron Rodgers, #8 of the New York Jets, throws the football prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

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“When I came here, I got kind of a renewed passion and love for the game,” Rodgers said, according to Fox Sports. “I don’t think next year will be my last year. With some of the things that I’ve learned this year about taking care of my body and surrounding myself with some creative people who have helped me with my nutrition and functional training at a more acute level, I feel I can play more years and I can be effective into my 40s.”

The Jets wrap up their season against the New England Patriots on Sunday. 

Lots of players throughout the NFL will be playing for incentives in Week 18.

Odell Beckham Jr. could have been one of those players, but he ultimately will not be, despite being just a few stats away from raking in a nice paycheck.

The Baltimore Ravens clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed, so the team is opting to give Beckham, likely MVP Lamar Jackson, and others a two-week break to be fresh for the AFC divisional round.

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Surely, Beckham wants to be fully ready to go for the playoffs, but he’s definitely a bit tight that he’ll be missing out on a potential $1.25 million.

Beckham has incentives in his contract that say if he had recorded five more receptions (he has 35 this year), he would have raked in $250,000. Had he scored another two touchdowns, he would have earned another quarter-million.

But the big bonus would have come if Beckham had turned back the clock to his New York Giants self.

Beckham has 565 receiving yards on the season. Had he eclipsed the 750 mark, he would have netted another $750,000.

The 31-year-old has had 185 yards in a game just twice in his career, and not since 2016, ironically against the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, November 12, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

In an Instagram post highlighting incentives, Beckham told gamblers “don’t bet on mine” with several laughing emojis.

“If it was all up to me itd be no question . I gotta feed my son but that ain’t how life go,” he also wrote.

So, Beckham will finish with 35 catches, 565 yards and three scores.

Beckham, a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams, recently called this current Ravens team the “best” he’s ever been on.

“It’s everything,” Beckham said in a postgame celebration this past weekend. “It’s the way the organization is run. It’s the players. . . . This is the best team I’ve been on in the NFL.”

Odell Beckham Jr., #3 of the Baltimore Ravens, makes a catch against Shaquill Griffin, #0 of the Houston Texans, at M&T Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

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Baltimore will host the lowest seed left standing in the divisional round in two weeks.

First-year New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has faced several challenges this season. 

The team’s star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, suffered a season-ending injury after taking just four snaps. Zach Wilson, the 2021 No. 2 overall draft pick, did not play with any level of consistency and also dealt with injury. The Jets also turned to veteran quarterbacks Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian at different points during the season.

Gang Green proceeded to produce one of the worst offenses in the NFL. Hackett is in charge of the team’s offense and acknowledged the offense’s overall lack of consistency, and shouldered some of the blame for his unit’s lackluster output.

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“Right now I’m getting ready for New England,” Hackett said via the team’s website. “I think it’ll be great to evaluate everything. We’ve had so many changes. I look at our offense as we missed some opportunities, we’ve had some inconsistencies, and we’ve had self-inflicted wounds and all those things. We have to buckle down and fix those, and it starts with me. So I think it’ll be good to kind of sit back and reevaluate everything.”

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New York had the 30th-ranked scoring offense entering Week 16. The offense has been widely criticized for putting pressure on one of the NFL’s better defenses. 

The Jets have not qualified for the postseason since the 2010 season. They currently have a 6-10 record and were officially eliminated from the playoffs earlier this season. The team entered the 2023 campaign with high expectations, and the disappointing season has fueled speculation that the organization could move on from Robert Saleh this offseason. 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the Jets OTA. (Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Although, Saleh recently shrugged off concerns about his job security.

“No,” Saleh told reporters in December. “Two types of coaches. Those who have been fired and those who are about to get fired. We coach in the moment. We coach to win a football game.”

Jets owner Woody Johnson recently hinted that Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas would both be retained for next season. 

MetLife Stadium prior to the game between the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles on December 5, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

Saleh also expressed support for Hackett.

“Obviously, I’ve got a lot of faith in him,” Saleh said earlier this week. “When you look at, and it’s going to be hard for people to recognize it, but starting with the Atlanta game. Through tape, seen a lot of improvement, and I’m not going to get into the stats.

“We’ve had two 30-plus-point games. I thought we moved the ball well against Cleveland [on Sunday], had a bad game against Miami [in Week 15]. I felt like the offense really took a step in the right direction against Atlanta [in Week 13]. I know the points weren’t there, but there was a lot of opportunity to be had in that game, but I do feel like we’ve gotten better, especially over this last half of the season. We’ve got a chance to finish strong. We can get possibly three of our last five, and like I said, they’ve been getting better.”

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The Jets’ 17 offensive touchdowns this season are the fewest in the league. They have also failed to surpass the 10-point mark in six of their losses this season.

The Jets wrap up the regular season on Sunday against the AFC East rival New England Patriots.

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Last summer, the San Antonio Spurs drafted one of the most exciting prospects in recent history — Victor Wembanyama. 

The rookie has already created some highlight reel-worthy plays this season, and he added some jaw-dropping moments to his resume during Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

The game also marked the French phenom’s first matchup with two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks superstar finished the high anticipated first meeting with 44 points and 14 rebounds, while the Spurs rookie had 27 points and nine rebounds.

After the game, Antetokounmpo praised Wembanyama’s unique skill set. “He’s special,” Antetokounmpo said. “He’s going to be an extremely good player. He plays the right way. He plays to win. I’ve never seen anything like him.”

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Wembanyama, who also celebrated his 20th birthday on Thursday, said he grew up admiring Antetokounmpo’s game. He said playing against someone of Antetokounmpo’s caliber fuels his motivation. 

“It’s always extra motivation, and I know I’m a competitor,” Wembanyama said. “So I want to go at everyone and be the bad guy on the court. So it was a great matchup.”

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The Spurs only managed to win 22 games during the 2022-23 NBA season and landed the top pick in the draft. Despite Wembanyama’s impressive play, San Antonio’s woes have carried over into this season. Thursday’s 125-121 loss to the Bucks dropped the Spurs record to 5-29. 

Only one team, the Detroit Pistons, has won fewer games so far this season. The Pistons recently snapped a record 28-game losing streak. 

Bucks star Damian Lillard also delivered a strong performance, scoring 25 points and committing zero turnovers.

Victor Wembanyama, #1 of the San Antonio Spurs, blocks a shot during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 4, 2024, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. (Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

First-year Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said the matchup between Antetokounmpo and Wembanyama was special.

“Two of the most unique, talented big men,” Griffin said. “I use that [big-man] loosely because they are very versatile players. Man, that was fun. I thought Wemby was great. I thought Giannis was phenomenal.”

Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs smiles before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 4, 2024, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. (Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

Three-time All-Star Khris Middleton also lauded the Spurs rookie for his fearlessness. 

“To be competing, not scared of the moment,” Middleton said. “Not scared of taking the shot and making a move or making a pass or just taking a chance in a close game, especially late in the game. You can tell that he’s not scared of the moment. He loves the challenge. That’s going to be big for him going forward.”

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Wembanyama noted that the experience of going up against a championship-caliber team could be beneficial for the Spurs going forward.

“It’s promising,” Wembanyama said. “That’s the first thing [Spurs coach Gregg Popovich] told us coming back in the locker room. We had some moments in the game where everything seemed to work. And I could feel the crowd believing in us and getting going. Some of this was satisfying tonight.”

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On Sept. 16, Travis Hunter was hospitalized after taking a late hit from Colorado State’s Henry Blackburn.

The two-way Colorado star reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen and missed the Buffaloes’ next three games.

Hunter and Blackburn were able to make amends shortly after the hit, but that didn’t stop fans from sending harsh messages to Blackburn.

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Fort Collins Police said that Blackburn received roughly 7,000 threats on social media because of the hit, and they have hit five people with misdemeanor charges.

Of the four, one is an adult, and the other four are juveniles.

Police did not release the specific charges “due to statutory protections of juvenile offenders,” but they were each issued a court summons.

“It is common for emotions to run high during sporting events,” Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said in a statement. “However, making threats to the physical safety of a person will not be tolerated and will be investigated fully by FCPS.”

Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Travis Hunter (12) walks on the field against the Colorado State Rams during the first half at Folsom Field. (Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports)

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Less than two weeks after the hit, Rams defensive lineman James Mitchell posted on his Instagram Stories showing Hunter and Blackburn shaking hands and meeting.

“It’s football at the end of the day. Stuff like that is going to happen,” Hunter said in a Bleacher Report interview on the Monday after the game. “Just gotta get up and fight again. Good thing the doctors stopped me, because if there was no doctors there, I’d still be out there playing.”

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders even backed up the Rams defender.

“Whatever it was, it does not constitute that he should be receiving death threats,” he said. This is still a young man trying to make it in life. A guy that is trying to live his dream and hopefully graduate with honors or a degree, committed to excellence and go to the NFL. He does not deserve a death threat over a game.”

Travis Hunter, #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes, signals first down after a catch against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on September 2, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. Colorado won 45-42.  (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

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The Buffaloes beat the Rams, 38-35, in double overtime to move to 3-0, but they lost eight of their final nine games to wrap up the season.

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio announced over the summer that he would be stepping away from basketball to focus on his mental health. 

On Thursday, he announced his retirement after 12 seasons in the NBA. 

Rubio, who also had a prolific international career representing his native Spain, penned an open letter to fans on social media to share his decision, adding that he is still “working” on his mental health. 

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“I wanted to post this message for you today because my NBA career has come to an end,” the letter, posted to X, read. 

“It all started [in] June 2009, draft night in New York. What a dream. After playing 12 years in the league, with all its ups and downs, I have collected lots of good memories and great relationships. Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and Cleveland. Wow. Thank you!”

Ricky Rubio, #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 3, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

Rubio, who won a gold medal with Spain in the 2019 World Cup, stepped away from the sport citing mental health concerns in August. 

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“I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health,” he said in a statement at the time. “I want to thank all the support I have received from the FEB (Spanish Basketball Federation) to understand my decision. Today #LaFamilia makes more sense than ever. Thank you.”

At the time, Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman released a statement in support of Rubio’s decision. 

“We understand how difficult of a decision this was for him and will balance providing whatever support we can while simultaneously respecting Ricky’s request for privacy.”

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Rubio’s letter on Thursday did not mention any specifics, but he clarified that he is still working on his mental health after his “mind went to a dark place.” 

“One day, when the time is right, I would love to share my full experience with you all so I can help support others going through similar situations. Until then, I would like to keep it private out of respect for my family and myself, as I’m still working on my mental health. But I’m proud to say I’m doing much better and getting better everyday.”

Ricky Rubio, #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, brings the ball up court in the fourth quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 12, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

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Rubio was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009 and spent seven seasons with the team before going to Utah. He missed the majority of the past two seasons while recovering from a torn left ACL, and he returned to the Cavs primarily as a reserve for 33 games at the end of last season.

“Special mention to Cleveland. My last home. I know the way things ended have been tough. I could never have imagined the year would develop this way, but you have an amazing organization, with Koby and JB, who have been extremely respectful and understanding of my situation and caring for me as a person. Thank you all for the love and support!” 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open winner, was visibly frustrated with the officiating in her quarterfinal match at the Brisbane International tournament in Australia. 

Ostapenko accused the umpire of being “blind” after her opponent, Victoria Azarenka, was awarded a point in the third set. Ostapenko believed that the ball had already bounced multiple times, and the umpire should not have made a call in Azarenka’s favor.

Azarenka, a former world No. 1 player, took a 5-4 lead as a result of the play in question.

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“You are blind. It’s impossible to play when you are… You make so much mistakes,” Ostapenko shouted toward the umpire.

The 26-year-old then made it clear that she did not want the umpire involved in any of her future tennis matches.

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“I never want you on my match again. You will never be on my match. You will never be on my match. I don’t want you on my matches. You ruin my matches … I will never forget, never.”

Ostapenko was ultimately eliminated from the tournament after she suffered a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 defeat to Azarenka. 

The eighth-seeded Azarenka started off strong, but as the match progressed, the third-seeded Ostapenko was able to mount a comeback.

Jelena Ostapenko, of Latvia, plays a backhand in her match against Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, during day six of the 2024 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Centre on Jan. 5, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Azarenka was complimentary of Ostapenko after the match.

“With Jelena, sometimes you just have to put on a helmet and try to stay in there,” Azarenka said. “She’s an incredible player. We’ve seen it many times. She’s a grand slam champion. She’s proved many times that she can beat anybody … She’s always very dangerous. I thought the quality of tennis was incredible.”

Jelena Ostapenko, of Latvia, looks frustrated as she reacts in her match against Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, during day six of the 2024 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Centre on Jan. 5, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Brisbane International women’s singles championship is scheduled for Jan. 7. Many of the world’s top tennis players will likely remain in Australia or travel to the island continent for the Australian Open. The year’s first major tournament begins on Jan. 14.

 Azarenka is a two-time Australian Open champion, winning the tournament in 2012 and 2013. Ostapenko advanced to the 2023 Australian Open quarterfinals.

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Azarenka will take on Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals on Saturday.

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The quarterback carousel in college football continues to turn as the transfer portal has become king. 

Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard committed to Ohio State on Thursday for his final year of eligibility. 

“I’m glad I took my time with this decision,” Howard told ESPN. “Through it, I got to learn a lot about myself and college football in general. It was a great process. I’m really glad I ended up choosing Ohio State.

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“I knew that if I passed this up, I’d regret passing up the chance to go be the quarterback at Ohio State. I knew I’d be kicking myself if I passed up this opportunity.”

Howard will be a fifth-year senior after spending the first four years of his college career in Manhattan, Kansas. 

He led the Wildcats to the 2022 Big 12 Championship Game where Kansas State defeated TCU before the Horned Frogs played in the College Football Playoff. In his two years as a starter, Howard went 12-5 and threw for 4,276 yards, 39 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. 

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Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Will Howard (18) shoves Iowa State Cyclones defensive back T.J. Tampa (2) aside during a touchdown run in the third quarter of a Big 12 football game between the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats on November 25, 2023, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas.  (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Howard also ran for 251 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. 

Howard said he chose Ohio State because he wanted to have a chance at winning a national championship and potentially jump into the first or second round of the NFL Draft. 

“The goal I have, I want to go win a national championship,” he told ESPN. “At the end of the day, I want to go be a starting quarterback in the NFL. . . . I feel like the best place to stick as a quarterback in the NFL is as a first- or second-round pick in the NFL draft. Going to Ohio State gives me a chance to make a jump and leap into that conversation.”

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Howard’s decision to join the Buckeyes comes one month after 2023 starter Kyle McCord entered the transfer portal. 

Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, November 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

McCord announced in mid-December that he would play for Fran Brown at Syracuse next season. 

Ohio State went 11-2 in 2023, losing to Michigan for the third straight year to keep them out of the Big Ten Championship Game and the CFP. 

The Buckeyes lost to the Missouri Tigers in the Cotton Bowl.