Quarterbacks Will Howard and Shedeur Sanders: NFL Draft Prospects Face Off

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two high-profile quarterbacks are making headlines as the 2025 NFL Draft unfolds: Will Howard of Ohio State and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado. As they finish their college football careers, both players are under intense scrutiny from NFL teams.

Sanders, who performed impressively at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado, won the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. During the 2024 season, he completed more than 75% of his passes, throwing 37 touchdowns for 4,134 yards. Under his leadership, the Buffaloes concluded the season with a 9-4 record, narrowly missing a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Known for his resilience, Sanders frequently faced severe defensive pressure, being sacked 42 times last season. Despite his statistics, NFL teams are cautious about his potential to excel at the next level due to the relentless media attention he attracts. This scrutiny could hinder his chances of becoming a starting quarterback immediately, but his competitive nature suggests he could thrive if placed in the right environment.

In contrast, Howard transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State, where he quickly earned the confidence of his teammates. His leading role helped the Buckeyes secure the national championship. Howard threw for 35 touchdowns, totaling 4,010 yards in a stellar year that saw him guide Ohio State deep into the College Football Playoff. He managed to throw for eight touchdowns and accumulate 1,150 yards over four playoff games, while only being sacked 14 times.

Howard, taller and heavier than Sanders at 6 feet 4 inches and 235 pounds, has shown an ability to manage games efficiently, making him appealing to NFL teams. He completed 73.1% of his passes, showcasing considerable talent as a potential backup or starter in the league.

As the NFL Draft progresses, fans are watching closely to see how both quarterbacks will be evaluated by teams looking to fill essential roles.