Will Howard played a crucial role in leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to a commanding 41-21 victory over the Oregon Ducks in the 2025 Rose Bowl on January 1. The quarterback threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, completing 17 passes in the process, helping the Buckeyes secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. However, Howard’s performance wasn’t the only reason he made headlines.
A postgame incident involving the quarterback and a security guard caught fans’ attention. As his teammates celebrated on stage, Howard was initially denied access by the guard, sparking widespread speculation online. Some fans theorized that Howard’s public praise of God during an acceptance speech was the reason for the exclusion. However, the Rose Bowl organization quickly debunked these claims, clarifying the situation on social media.
“The College Football Playoff has strict regulations regarding who can be on the stage,” the Rose Bowl explained in an Instagram comment. “Only players of the game, team captains, and the head coach are permitted. The stage also has a weight limit to ensure safety during the awards ceremony.”
Howard, not being a team captain or the Player of the Game, was temporarily denied access due to these rules but eventually joined the celebration. Despite the explanation, some fans remained skeptical about the rationale provided.
With the win, the Buckeyes advanced to the Cotton Bowl, where they are set to face the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium. The winner will progress to the national championship to face either Penn State or Notre Dame.
