TOUGH DEAL: Nebraska Cornhuskers’ top target, Will Howard, has officially signed a four-year contract with the Tennessee Vols according to…..see more

Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of Will Howard, his background, the Tennessee Volunteers’ recruitment strategy, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ quarterback situation:

Will Howard’s Background:

Will Howard is a highly regarded quarterback who has emerged as one of the top targets in college football recruiting. His strong arm, poise in the pocket, and leadership qualities have made him a coveted prospect for major programs. As of my last update, Howard was a standout player at the high school level, likely coming off an impressive junior or senior season.

In terms of his skillset, Howard possesses a strong, accurate arm and the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run. His blend of size, arm strength, and mobility makes him an ideal fit for teams looking to run a modern, up-tempo offense. His ability to read defenses, combined with a solid football IQ, makes him one of the more polished quarterbacks in the recruiting cycle.

Tennessee Volunteers’ Recruitment Strategy:

Tennessee has made significant strides in recent years under head coach Josh Heupel, particularly in the offensive side of the ball. Heupel’s offense, which is built around speed, tempo, and exploiting mismatches, requires a quarterback with the ability to make quick decisions and push the ball downfield. Will Howard, with his strong arm and ability to make explosive plays, fits perfectly into that scheme.

Tennessee’s quarterback room has been solid in recent years, but bringing in a top recruit like Howard would elevate the program even further. It also speaks to the growing national appeal of the Volunteers program under Heupel, who has successfully recruited both in-state and nationally, making Tennessee a destination for top-tier talent.

Additionally, Tennessee has been competitive in the SEC, and their offensive production has been among the best in the country. This success, combined with Heupel’s reputation for developing quarterbacks, likely played a key role in Howard’s decision to sign with the Volunteers.

Nebraska Cornhuskers’ Quarterback Situation:

Nebraska, historically a powerhouse in college football, has been in a rebuilding phase over the past decade. Under head coach Matt Rhule, who took over in 2023, the Cornhuskers have been looking to get back to being a contender in the Big Ten. Rhule, known for his ability to turn programs around, has prioritized building a strong foundation, and the quarterback position is a key area for this rebuild.

As of my last update, Nebraska had a couple of quarterbacks competing for the starting job, but none of them had emerged as the clear leader for the future. With the Huskers needing a long-term solution at quarterback, landing a high-profile recruit like Will Howard would have been a major boost. His decision to go to Tennessee might leave Nebraska scrambling to find another top quarterback prospect or to develop the current talent in their program.

Rhule and his staff would likely need to intensify their recruitment efforts for other highly rated quarterbacks or consider transfers, especially with the growing importance of the transfer portal in college football. Nebraska, while still in a rebuilding phase, remains an attractive destination for players, especially with Rhule’s proven track record of success at previous stops, including Baylor and Temple.

Impact of Howard’s Commitment to Tennessee:

1. Tennessee’s Recruiting Momentum: Will Howard’s decision to sign with Tennessee further establishes the Vols as a rising power in college football. It also signals that Heupel’s offense continues to attract elite talent, keeping the program competitive in the SEC. With Howard’s commitment, Tennessee will have an exciting quarterback prospect to build around for the next few years.
2. Nebraska’s Recruiting Needs: For Nebraska, losing Howard to Tennessee could be a blow, but it’s not the end of the road. The Huskers need to refocus their recruiting efforts, especially in the quarterback room. The transfer portal offers a chance to land an experienced QB, or they could turn to other high school recruits who fit the profile of the kind of quarterback Rhule wants to build his offense around.
3. The Big Ten Landscape: As Nebraska continues its rebuild in the Big Ten, and with top-tier programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State always competing for the conference crown, it’s crucial for the Cornhuskers to find a franchise quarterback. Howard’s decision is a reminder of how competitive recruiting has become, especially as programs like Tennessee, with strong offensive schemes and rising national visibility, position themselves as major players.

Conclusion:

Will Howard’s commitment to Tennessee adds another elite piece to their offensive future, keeping them competitive in a tough SEC. For Nebraska, while this is a setback in the short term, it provides an opportunity to reevaluate their quarterback recruitment and explore other avenues, including the transfer portal, where many teams have found immediate impact players. Matt Rhule’s rebuild at Nebraska will need a solid quarterback to get the Huskers back to prominence, and it remains to be seen who that player will be.

Let me know if you’d like more detailed insights on either team or on any other recruiting-related topics!