K-State’s Will Howard aims to become the best (and biggest) quarterback in the Big 12

The biggest quarterback in the Big 12 resides in Manhattan.

At 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds, Will Howard is not only taller than every other starting QB in the conference but he also outweighs them ... many by a significant margin.

Put Howard in a room next to Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5-11 and 203 pounds) or UCF passer John Rhys Plumlee (6-0, 200 pounds) or TCU signal-caller Chandler Morris (6-0, 195 pounds) and he towers over them, almost as if he plays a different position. At first glance, it’s easy to mistake him for a tight end or a linebacker. That’s his body type.

Howard could probably play both of those positions at a respectable level, but quarterback is his forte. Last season, when injuries thrust him into the starting lineup for six games, he proved that the biggest can also be the best by throwing for 1,633 yards and 15 touchdowns as he guided the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship.

That came as a surprise to some. Not his K-State teammates.

After watching Howard lift and put on muscle like a bodybuilder for three years, they knew what he was capable of in the weight room and on the field.

“Will can squat the house,” K-State defensive back Kobe Savage said. “I believe his personal record is 445 pounds. He is just as good at power cleans. Whenever he is in the weight room he has a way of motivating everyone else. I know if he’s in there lifting I better give my all.”

Everyone is trying to keep up with the quarterback.

“He is an animal in the weight room,” K-State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe said. “You see him and the amount of weight he lifts and it makes you say ‘whoa’ every time. I would also say he goes about his business in a very smart way. He is huge and he is strong, but he moves super well. That is probably one of his biggest strengths.”

Hearing comments like that is enough to make Howard blush.

The senior from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, felt a bit embarrassed when video surfaced of him setting personal records in the weight room earlier this year. He doesn’t think he does anything special when it comes to working out. He credits his impressive physique to strength and conditioning coach Trumain Carroll.

Well, that and his bloodline. Howard comes from a family of large humans. His younger brother, who has committed to play for K-State after he graduates from high school, is a 6-foot-7 and 305-pound offensive lineman.

“A lot of it is nutrition and trying to eat right,” Howard said. “I have to make sure I eat a protein shake after every run, lift, doing all that stuff. I am also growing into my body a little bit, working out a ton. I wouldn’t say there is anything special or spectacular that I have done. I am just trying to get better at one thing every day during the offseason.”

His work ethic might be what sets him apart.

“Will is a dog,” Savage said. “Even if he has a sprained thumb or wrist he’s still going to lift heavy weight. He’s the strongest, smartest and best quarterback the Big 12, without a doubt. I don’t know why anybody would rank somebody else above him.”

Even though Howard considers himself a “throw-heavy” quarterback, his size could come in handy in 2023. K-State quarterbacks have experienced an unfortunate run of luck with injuries lately. Perhaps his oversized frame will help him remain healthy so he can start every game. It is also exciting to think about what he can do as a runner, particularly in short-yardage situations.

That might be an important part of the playbook with Deuce Vaughn now in the NFL.

“He wants to prove his athleticism,” K-State coach Chris Klieman said, “and he got a little bit leaner this year. People forget, but he had an 80-yard run against TCU during the pandemic year and another long touchdown run against Texas in 2021. He’s got athleticism. I don’t want him to carry the ball 15 times a game, but he can be a threat.”

Everything seems to be coming together for Howard.

He is in the best shape of his life, he is the unquestioned starter for the Wildcats and he recently volunteered at the Manning Passing Academy.

“That was a really cool experience,” Howard said, “just getting to know Peyton, Eli and Archie. I was a big fan of them growing up. Peyton is a big reason why I wear the number 18. I still have his Broncos No. 18 jersey. I told Peyton that and he started laughing. Just to get to hang out with them and all the other quarterbacks around the country, talking shop and hearing what they do and how they run things was really cool.”

One question they likely had for Howard: How do you use your size to your advantage?

Howard will try to provide an answer this season. He is the biggest quarterback in the Big 12. Now he wants to prove he is the best.