Will Howard: The Enigmatic Backup and the Potential for a McCarthy Friendship
As the Minnesota Vikings look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation swirls around their potential selection of Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round. Howard, a national championship winner and a battle-tested leader with 43 college starts, could serve as a dynamic backup to J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round pick from 2024. But Howard’s journey with the Vikings—if it materializes—promises to be more than just a footnote in McCarthy’s story. It’s a tale of adaptation, ambition, and the tantalizing possibility of an unexpected friendship born from one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. In this article, we’ll explore Howard’s path as an “X-factor” in the NFL and whether he and McCarthy could transcend their Michigan-Ohio State divide to become not just teammates, but friends.
Howard’s Journey – From College Star to NFL Enigma
The Backup Role: A Test of Patience
If Howard joins the Vikings, his immediate role will likely be that of a backup quarterback, a position that demands resilience and readiness. Unlike McCarthy, who carries the weight of being a first-round pick and the face of the franchise’s future, Howard would enter with lower expectations but no less potential. His college career at Kansas State and Ohio State showcased a quarterback with a strong arm, quick decision-making, and a knack for performing in high-stakes moments. In 2024, he led Ohio State to a national title, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 400 rushing yards. These traits make him an ideal fit for Kevin O’Connell’s offense, which thrives on rhythm, play-action, and occasional deep shots to stars like Justin Jefferson.
Yet, the transition to the NFL is rarely smooth, especially for a late-round pick. Howard’s first challenge will be adapting to the speed and complexity of professional defenses. As a backup, he’ll spend most of his time on the sidelines, studying film, learning O’Connell’s playbook, and competing in practice against Minnesota’s defense, bolstered by players like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. This period will test Howard’s patience and work ethic. Can he stay sharp without game reps? Can he absorb the nuances of NFL quarterbacking while waiting for his chance?
Historical parallels offer hope. Tom Brady, a sixth-round pick, spent his rookie year as a backup before seizing his opportunity. Dak Prescott, a fourth-rounder, transformed the Cowboys’ offense when Tony Romo went down. Howard’s path could mirror these stories if he embraces the grind. In training camp, expect him to push McCarthy, forcing the young starter to elevate his game while quietly preparing for his own moment.
The Spark: Howard’s Chance to Shine
Howard’s opportunity could come sooner than expected. McCarthy, still recovering from a 2024 knee injury, faces immense pressure to deliver in 2025. If he struggles—whether due to health, inexperience, or the steep learning curve of reading NFL defenses—O’Connell may turn to Howard. Picture a midseason scenario: the Vikings are 4-4, McCarthy throws two interceptions in a loss to the Packers, and fans clamor for change. Howard steps in for a Thursday night game against the Colts, leading a comeback with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison and a scrambling first down to seal the win.
Such a moment could redefine Howard’s trajectory. His physical tools—6’4”, 240 pounds, with a cannon arm—make him a threat to exploit defenses that underestimate him. Unlike McCarthy, whose game leans on precision and mobility, Howard’s style is grittier, relying on power throws and improvisation. If given a string of starts, he could post respectable numbers: say, 250 yards per game with a 2:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. A hot streak might even spark a quarterback controversy, with analysts debating whether Howard should keep the job once McCarthy is ready.
Yet, Howard’s ceiling isn’t just as a stopgap. If he proves reliable, he could become a trade asset, much like Jimmy Garoppolo was for the Patriots, or carve out a long-term role as a high-end backup. The best-case scenario? Howard becomes a starter elsewhere, leveraging his Vikings experience to lead another franchise. His journey would resonate with fans who love an underdog story—a sixth-rounder who refused to be overlooked.
Challenges and Growth
Howard’s adaptation won’t be without hurdles. He’ll need to refine his footwork, which can be inconsistent under pressure, and improve his ability to read complex coverages. O’Connell’s coaching staff, known for developing quarterbacks, will play a crucial role. Expect Howard to spend hours with QB coach Josh McCown, breaking down film of Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes to emulate their pre-snap adjustments. Off the field, Howard’s leadership—honed as Ohio State’s captain—will help him earn respect in the locker room, even as a rookie.
The Vikings’ environment, with veterans like Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, will ease his transition. Throwing to elite targets in practice will boost his confidence, while facing a stout defense in drills will sharpen his instincts. By Year 2, Howard could be a polished backup, ready to step in at a moment’s notice or compete for a larger role if McCarthy falters.
McCarthy and Howard – Rivals, Teammates, or Friends?
The Michigan-Ohio State Divide
The most intriguing subplot of Howard’s potential Vikings tenure is his relationship with J.J. McCarthy. The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is college football’s equivalent of a blood feud, with fans and players carrying grudges for life. McCarthy, a Michigan hero who beat Ohio State three times, and Howard, the Buckeye who finally broke through in 2024, embody this divide. When Howard steps into the Vikings’ facility, the ghosts of “The Game” will linger. Will their shared history fuel tension, or can they forge a bond?
On paper, the ingredients for conflict are there. McCarthy, as the anointed starter, may view Howard as a threat, especially if the backup outperforms him in practice. Howard, meanwhile, could harbor quiet resentment if he feels undervalued as a late-round pick. The media won’t help—every errant McCarthy pass will spark headlines about Howard waiting in the wings. Vikings fans, desperate for a franchise quarterback, might split into camps, amplifying the pressure.
Yet, NFL history offers examples of rival quarterbacks becoming allies. Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, though brothers, competed fiercely in their youth but supported each other as pros. More relevantly, Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre navigated a tense dynamic in Green Bay, with Rodgers learning from Favre before taking over. While McCarthy and Howard are closer in age and experience, their shared youth—both 23 in 2025—could lay the groundwork for camaraderie.
Building a Friendship
For McCarthy and Howard to become friends, they’ll need to overcome their past and align on common goals. Several factors could help:
Shared Adversity: Both are young quarterbacks navigating the NFL’s brutal learning curve. Late-night film sessions, grueling practices, and the pressure of replacing Kirk Cousins could bond them. Imagine them laughing over a missed read or swapping stories about college wins—McCarthy reliving his 2022 Michigan rout, Howard countering with his 2024 title. O’Connell’s Leadership: Kevin O’Connell, a former quarterback himself, excels at fostering unity. He could encourage McCarthy and Howard to study together, run drills as a unit, and even room together during road trips. A team-building retreat—say, a fishing trip in Minnesota’s lakes—might break the ice. Mutual Respect: McCarthy’s poise and Howard’s grit are complementary. If Howard admires McCarthy’s ability to escape pressure, and McCarthy respects Howard’s deep-ball accuracy, they could learn from each other. Picture Howard tipping his cap after McCarthy threads a 20-yard out to Jefferson, or McCarthy clapping for Howard’s 50-yard bomb in practice. Off-Field Connection: Both players share Midwestern roots—McCarthy from Illinois, Howard from Pennsylvania—and a love for competition. They might bond over video games (Madden showdowns in the team lounge?), music, or charity work. If they team up for a Vikings community event, like coaching a youth camp, their rivalry could soften into partnership.
The turning point might come during a critical moment. Suppose McCarthy goes down mid-game, and Howard steps in to lead a game-winning drive. As the team celebrates, McCarthy, despite his injury, is the first to congratulate Howard, whispering, “You got this, man.” Such a gesture could mark the start of a genuine friendship, echoing iconic NFL duos like Joe Montana and Steve Young, who respected each other despite competing for the 49ers’ starting job.
The Alternative: Perpetual Rivals
Of course, friendship isn’t guaranteed. If Howard outperforms McCarthy early—say, winning three straight starts while McCarthy recovers—the dynamic could sour. McCarthy might feel threatened, withdrawing into a hyper-competitive mindset. Howard, sensing a chance to steal the job, could push too hard, alienating teammates loyal to McCarthy. The Vikings’ locker room, already navigating the loss of veterans like Sam Darnold, might fracture if the quarterbacks can’t coexist.
The Michigan-Ohio State baggage could exacerbate tensions. A stray comment—Howard joking about Ohio State’s 2024 win, or McCarthy referencing Michigan’s dominance—might reignite old wounds. If fans or media amplify the rivalry, pitting “Team J.J.” against “Team Will,” the pressure could keep them at arm’s length, forever teammates but never friends.
What Readers Want to Know
Fans will be curious about the human side of this dynamic. Can two young men, shaped by a decade-long college feud, find common ground in the NFL’s high-stakes world? Will they share a beer after a win, or will every practice feel like a silent battle? The answer lies in their character. McCarthy, known for his team-first mentality, and Howard, praised for his locker-room presence, have the tools to bridge the gap. If they do, their story could become a feel-good narrative, proving that sports rivalries don’t have to define relationships.
Part 3: The Series – Tracking Howard’s Rise and Their Bond
To capture Howard’s journey and his evolving relationship with McCarthy, a multi-part series could unfold as follows:
Episode 1: The Arrival (Summer 2025)
Focus: Howard’s draft day, his first impressions of Minnesota, and initial interactions with McCarthy. Highlight their awkward first meeting—maybe a stiff handshake at rookie minicamp—and O’Connell’s efforts to unite them. End with Howard throwing a perfect spiral to Addison in practice, hinting at his potential. Episode 2: The Grind (Training Camp)
Focus: Howard’s struggle to master the playbook and earn respect. Show him studying late with McCarthy, debating coverages, and sharing a laugh over a botched handoff. Include a vignette of them facing off in a scrimmage, with Howard nearly outshining McCarthy, raising eyebrows. Episode 3: The Opportunity (Midseason)
Focus: Howard’s first NFL action, perhaps in relief of McCarthy. Detail his nerves, his first completion to Jefferson, and a clutch drive. Show McCarthy’s reaction—supportive but conflicted—setting up the friendship question. End with them high-fiving post-game, a small step forward. Episode 4: The Crossroads (Year 2)
Focus: Howard’s growth as a backup and his role in pushing McCarthy to improve. Explore a moment of tension—say, Howard starting a game McCarthy thinks he’s ready for—and how they resolve it, perhaps bonding over a shared setback like a playoff loss. Conclude with a hint of their future, as friends or rivals. Episode 5: The Legacy (Year 3 and Beyond)
Focus: Howard’s defining moment—whether as a Viking or elsewhere. If he starts, show him leading a comeback against Green Bay, with McCarthy cheering from the sideline. If traded, depict his farewell, with McCarthy texting, “Go kill it, Buckeye.” Reflect on their relationship, now a friendship forged through competition.
Each episode would blend on-field analysis (stats, highlights) with off-field storytelling (locker-room banter, community events), keeping readers hooked on Howard’s rise and the McCarthy dynamic. Guest voices—teammates, coaches, even college rivals—would add depth, while fan reactions on X would gauge the public’s pulse.
Conclusion: A Story Worth Watching
Will Howard’s potential arrival in Minnesota is a wildcard with endless possibilities. As a backup, he could redefine the Vikings’ quarterback depth, ready to shine if called upon. As a teammate, he might challenge McCarthy to new heights—or spark a rivalry that divides the fanbase. But the most compelling question is whether he and McCarthy can become friends, turning a college feud into an NFL bromance. Their story, rooted in competition but ripe for connection, could captivate fans for years. Whether Howard emerges as a star or McCarthy’s biggest supporter, one thing is certain: the Vikings’ quarterback room in 2025 will be must-watch drama.