The Minnesota Vikings seem to have settled on J.J. McCarthy as their cornerstone quarterback, but a bold new projection for the 2025 NFL Draft suggests they might add another intriguing name to the mix: Will Howard, the national championship-winning quarterback from Ohio State. According to ESPN’s draft expert Ben Solak, the Vikings are forecasted to use their sixth-round pick (No. 187 overall) to snag Howard, setting the stage for a fascinating quarterback pairing from two bitter Big Ten rivals—Michigan and Ohio State.
Currently, McCarthy, who famously guided Michigan to a national title, is pegged as the Vikings’ QB1 for the 2025 season, especially with Sam Darnold now suiting up for the Seattle Seahawks. But with the quarterback room thinning out—featuring only McCarthy and Brett Rypien—Minnesota could be looking to bolster depth and spark some healthy competition. Enter Howard, who capped his college career by leading Ohio State to a national championship in his lone season with the Buckeyes after transferring from Kansas State, where he started 43 games over four years.
What makes this scenario so compelling? It’d mark the second straight year the Vikings draft a national champion quarterback, and this time, it’s a clash of titans from the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry—one of college football’s most storied feuds. Howard brings a seasoned presence to the table: a calm, reliable quarterback with solid mobility and a knack for protecting the ball. He’s adept at cycling through his passing options, standing tall in the pocket under pressure, and using his sturdy frame to power through contact. That said, Howard isn’t flawless—his processing speed can lag at times, leaving him vulnerable to defensive disguises at the snap.
Should the Vikings pull the trigger on Howard, it’d inject fresh intrigue into their 2025 campaign. Picture this: McCarthy and Howard, two young guns from powerhouse programs, duking it out in training camp. It’s a storyline that’s equal parts football strategy and fanbase fireworks, tapping into the deep-seated emotions of Michigan and Ohio State loyalists. Beyond the rivalry, head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive scheme—designed to lighten the mental load on quarterbacks—could be the perfect proving ground for Howard to refine his skills. Solak even suggests that, in a best-case scenario, Howard could carve out a career akin to Jacoby Brissett’s, or perhaps thrive in a niche role as a “sneaky QB” complementing McCarthy’s game.
A Strategic Masterstroke: Building a Flexible QB Room
Drafting Howard wouldn’t just be about adding depth—it could signal a deliberate shift in how the Vikings approach their quarterback position. Rather than pinning all their hopes on McCarthy as the sole savior, Minnesota might be crafting a more adaptable, risk-averse QB room. McCarthy, for all his promise, is still a young quarterback stepping into the NFL spotlight. If he struggles to adjust to the league’s complexities—whether it’s reading blitzes, managing game tempo, or staying healthy—Howard offers a safety net with his proven experience and championship pedigree.
This approach isn’t about doubting McCarthy’s potential; it’s about maximizing flexibility. Howard’s 43 college starts and ability to win big games mean he’s not just a backup—he’s a viable competitor who could step in and keep the offense humming if McCarthy falters. Think of it as an insurance policy with upside: Howard could spell McCarthy in short-yardage situations, run specialized packages, or even take over as a starter if injuries or growing pains derail the former Michigan star. In O’Connell’s system, which thrives on quick decisions and rhythm, Howard’s reliability could prevent a lost season while McCarthy matures.
Moreover, this strategy reflects a broader NFL trend—teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers have thrived by maintaining versatile quarterback depth rather than relying on a single arm. By investing a late-round pick in Howard, the Vikings could hedge their bets without sacrificing significant draft capital, leaving room to address other needs like the offensive line or secondary. If Howard outperforms expectations, he might even push McCarthy to elevate his game, fostering a competitive dynamic that benefits the entire roster. It’s a low-risk, high-reward gamble that could redefine Minnesota’s trajectory.
A Rivalry Rekindled in Purple
Imagine the headlines if this draft dream becomes reality. The Vikings wouldn’t just be building a roster—they’d be staging a mini Michigan-Ohio State showdown in their own backyard. For Minnesota fans, it’s a chance to see two college legends adapt their games to the NFL level, potentially offering a blend of McCarthy’s pinpoint precision and Howard’s gritty resilience. Off the field, it could ignite a friendly (or not-so-friendly) debate among supporters about which Big Ten alum reigns supreme—an echo of “The Game” played out in purple and gold.
At this point, Aaron Rodgers no longer seems like a viable option for Minnesota unless an unexpected injury shakes up the league. With four draft picks at their disposal, using one on Howard could be a savvy move to shore up the QB position. But the bigger question looms: Could this McCarthy-Howard tandem ignite a new era for the Vikings—or at least keep fans on the edge of their seats? Whether it’s a rivalry reborn or a strategic masterstroke, the mere thought of these two sharing a sideline is enough to get pulses racing. Will this unlikely duo come to fruition and reshape Minnesota’s future? Only time, and the draft, will tell.