If you asked Kansas State fans how they felt about Will Howard a few weeks ago, they would probably say nice or at least decent things about him.
Now, not so much. Howard's recent interview with The Athletic revealed some bitter emotions he had upon departing the program.
"Everything I did was on my own," Howard said. "They kind of took advantage of me and got me for cheap, so I decided to go somewhere else and make a little money. It’s different when you go to a school, and you’re the guy getting money. It’s amazing how differently you’re treated. It was the best decision I ever made."
And since then, it's been endless trolling and criticism of the former Wildcats signal-caller, including the latest move from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The organization drafted former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the NFL Draft, positioning him to battle with Howard and Mason Rudolph for the starting position. Aaron Rodgers' decision to return remains in the air.
But in any scenario where Pittsburgh took a quarterback, you know Kansas State fans and analysts were going to have jokes.
"Steelers take a QB on day two," Kansas State insider Derek Young tweeted. "Anxiously awaiting the article on how they took advantage of Will Howard."
Howard spent four years with the team, rotating around the starting position with the likes of Avery Johnson and Adrian Martinez. He threw for 5,786 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions, while rushing for 921 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was an honorable mention for the 2023 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and 2022 Big 12 championship winner.
Howard had a decent tenure with the Wildcats, but nothing extraordinary. Even amid Howard's career season in 2023, the team chose Johnson after his promising freshman year. The Wildcats veteran took his talents to Ohio State, where he won a national championship and put himself in the position he is now.
Now, Howard will battle for the Steelers' QB1 position with Allar, who is coming off an ACL tear from last season. Pair that with an overall disappointing 2025 season, and Allar's Draft stock dropped, illustrating why Pittsburgh waited until the third round to select him.
But it's hard to imagine many Wildcats fans will stick around to see or support.
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