Training camp is one of the few times during the NFL calendar when optimism can be felt by all 32 teams and fan bases. Between exciting rookies and the promise of a new season, it's easy for even the worst teams to allow themselves to think big. The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of legitimate reasons to be hopeful this offseason, but fans have already started to fawn over a player who has the odds stacked against them.
Rookie quarterback Will Howard has been steadily gaining support from the fan base since the Steelers selected him in the sixth round of this past year's NFL draft.
It's no surprise that the fans are drawn to Howard. He is coming off an electric final college season, guiding Ohio State to a National Championship victory. He played by far his best football during their dominant run through the College Football Playoffs, and now he is lighting up training camp in Latrobe.
Will Howard's hype keeps building as a potential answer at QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers
I am usually hesitant to believe that a sixth-round QB could realistically turn into a franchise passer, but it's far from impossible. There is the obvious case of Tom Brady, but he is an outlier among other outliers when it comes to career accolades as a late-round QB.
Howard won't be the next Brady, but could he be the next Mark Brunell? The next Matt Hasselbeck? Maybe even the next Tyrod Taylor? None of those names jump off the page for most fans, but Howard would be an overwhelming success if he could replicate any of their careers as a Steeler.
So far, Howard is playing well in camp and earning the praise of fans. Reports from multiple media members in Latrobe have echoed this sentiment, including ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
Find a fanbase that loves their fourth-string QB more than Steelers fans love rookie Will Howard.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 26, 2025
He gets a big ovation when he comes in at the end of the first team period and an even bigger one when he zips a 20-yard pass to WR Montana Lemonius-Craig on his first attempt.
Howard looks like a comfortable favorite to be the Steelers' No.3 QB in his rookie season, but I wouldn't rule out him pushing Mason Rudolph for the No.2 spot during the season. He is more athletic and has just as good, if not better, arm talent. If he can prove he understands the offense and can run it properly, the Ohio State product could be in a position to compete for the starting job entering his sophomore campaign in 2026.
Even if he never cracks the starting lineup, he looks like a likely long-term backup candidate that fans love. That would be far from a bad outcome for the young QB.