Ohio State football is renowned for its intense competition and the development of elite athletes. This off-season, some of the most intriguing stories have emerged from behind the scenes, particularly within the quarterback position. One such story has emerged from the relationship between starting quarterback, Will Howard, and offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin.
In an unexpected twist, McLaughlin recently opened up about how, initially, he didn’t click with Howard. In a candid interview, the Ohio State center shared that early in their relationship, he struggled to connect with the highly-touted transfer quarterback. McLaughlin’s frankness shed light on the personal dynamics that often shape team chemistry and success.
Early Tensions Between McLaughlin and Howard
Seth McLaughlin was one of the leading voices in the Ohio State offensive line and an essential component of their line’s success in previous seasons. When Will Howard arrived as a transfer, there were high expectations surrounding the quarterback. Howard, a former star at Kansas State, was making his transition to Ohio State and quickly became part of a highly competitive quarterback battle.
However, McLaughlin admits that at first, he didn’t warm up to Howard the way he might have expected. “When Will first came in, it wasn’t really about football,” McLaughlin shared. “I didn’t know him as a person, and I think sometimes that can make a big difference in how you view a player.” McLaughlin said that without that personal connection, it was tough for him to see Howard as part of the team, especially when facing the kind of pressure that comes with a high-profile quarterback transfer.
The competition for the starting role was fierce, and McLaughlin and the other linemen were still getting used to how Howard approached his leadership and communication style. It took time for them to align on the field, and McLaughlin found it challenging at first.
The Turning Point: Building Trust
What ultimately helped bridge the gap between McLaughlin and Howard was time spent working together and, crucially, establishing trust. “As we started spending more time together—on and off the field—I began to see who Will was,” McLaughlin continued. “He’s a guy who genuinely wants to win, who puts the team first, and who’s willing to put in the work. That goes a long way for me, and I think that’s when we really started to click.”
Through intense offseason workouts, team bonding activities, and game preparation, the two players began to develop a mutual respect. McLaughlin now views Howard not only as a teammate but also as a leader, both on and off the field. This growth in their relationship has had a noticeable impact on their play, with McLaughlin praising Howard’s consistency and leadership qualities.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Team
With spring practices around the corner, McLaughlin and Howard seem to have forged a stronger bond. McLaughlin now fully understands Howard’s drive and dedication, and both players seem eager to make a strong push for the upcoming season. As Ohio State gears up for another championship run, team chemistry will be one of the key factors determining success. It is clear that McLaughlin and Howard, despite their initial differences, are now on the same page.
“I think we’re in a really good place now,” McLaughlin said. “I trust Will, and he trusts me. That’s a big deal in football. If you don’t have trust, you don’t have anything.”
The development of this connection is just one of many intriguing stories surrounding Ohio State football in 2025. As the team continues to prepare for the season, the relationship between McLaughlin and Howard serves as a reminder of how essential camaraderie and teamwork are to success on the field, no matter how much talent a team has.
For Ohio State fans, this bond between the quarterback and offensive line could be a key factor in achieving another successful season, and it’s clear that McLaughlin and Howard are now ready to take on the challenges together.
