Why K-State coach Chris Klieman is excited about Will Howard’s future as transfer QB
The city of Manhattan is becoming a popular destination for college football coaches.
Will Howard is the attraction.
Any team that needs to add a veteran quarterback to its roster before spring practice begins has an obvious reason to visit Howard this month. The former Kansas State quarterback has become a hot commodity since he entered the NCAA transfer portal last week. So much so that, according to sources, USC coach Lincoln Riley flew to Manhattan on Saturday and discussed the possibility of Howard playing for the Trojans next season.
On Monday, Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin arrived in town to meet with Howard and shared a photo from Manhattan on social media.
Other teams that have reportedly expressed interest in Howard: Kentucky, Miami, Missouri, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin. Notre Dame was also thought to be in the mix when Howard initially announced his transfer plans, but the Fighting Irish now seem to be focused on other targets.
Howard could ultimately decide to turn pro and forgo his final year of college football, but he has some attractive options if he elects to remain in school. He clearly impressed some coaches while he threw for 5,786 yards and 48 touchdowns during his four seasons with the Wildcats.
K-State football coach Chris Klieman is happy for his former QB.
“I am excited about Will’s future, whether that’s at the NFL next year or at another school,” Klieman said. “I don’t know what he’s going to decide to do, and I will kind of leave it at that.”
It had to be awkward for Klieman and Howard to say goodbye after all the games they won together.
K-State doesn’t usually recruit in Pennsylvania, but Howard sought out an offer from the Wildcats while living in Downington, Pennsylvania, because he wanted to play for man who coached Carson Wentz at North Dakota State.
Howard got off to a slow start at K-State, but he matured into a brilliant passer and led the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship as a junior. Then he broke the program’s record for career touchdown passes as a senior. For his efforts, he earned a spot on the All-Big 12 second team.
This is the first time K-State has lost a player with those accomplishments to the transfer portal.
There are many reasons to explain his departure. For starters, he may have simply wanted to try something different after spending four years with the Wildcats. But K-State also seems ready to hand the offense over to freshman quarterback Avery Johnson. A fresh start could help both sides, especially with all the recruiting buzz that is currently surrounding Howard.
It doesn’t sound like there are any hard feelings.
“There’s nothing at all wrong with with my relationship with Will Howard,” Klieman said. “It’s very strong. I love the kid. We shared an awful lot this week when I had an opportunity. I’ve got nothing but respect for him and I appreciate what he did for K-State and what he’s done for me and my family. I believe that’s reciprocated with what I’ve done for Will and his family. So nothing but admiration for him. One thing I know is I want the best for Will Howard.”
This story was originally published December 4, 2023 at 2:04 PM.