As the NFL season approaches, Will Howard is still in the conversation, barely, as the potential No. 2 quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers after the signing of Aaron Rodgers. Gillis, a Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan, didn’t hold back when he turned the spotlight on the Buckeyes and their long-standing rivalry with the Michigan Wolverines.
Will Howard Is Trending After Shane Gillis' Brutal Message on Ohio State-Michigan originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the NFL season approaches, Will Howard is still in the conversation, barely, as the potential No. 2 quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers after the signing of Aaron Rodgers. But while Howard tries to climb the depth chart in Pittsburgh, his name unexpectedly started trending again thanks to comedian Shane Gillis’ shot at the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 ESPY Awards.
Gillis, a Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan, didn’t hold back when he turned the spotlight on the Buckeyes and their long-standing rivalry with the Michigan Wolverines. “Like Ohio State football who won the national championship, but also lost to Michigan,” Gillis joked before twisting the knife: “Michigan, who didn’t cheat this time, beat them fair and square. Yeah, are we ever gonna hold them accountable? Yeah, whatever. They’re allowed to cheat. No repercussions.”
It was a clear dig at both programs acknowledging Ohio State’s success while reminding fans of Michigan’s ongoing sign-stealing scandal. That controversy, which centers around former staffer Connor Stalions, is still under NCAA review. Head coach Sherrone Moore will serve a two-game suspension after deleting messages tied to the case.
Shane Gillis on Michigan: “Are we ever gonna hold accountable? Whatever, they’re allowed to cheat, no repercussions.” pic.twitter.com/YgRPAdHVD4
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 17, 2025
Despite the scandal, Michigan has beaten Ohio State four straight times, including a 2024 win in Columbus as 21-point underdogs. With the rivalry heading back to Ann Arbor this fall, pressure continues to mount on head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.
As for Howard, he was part of the Buckeyes' squad that accepted the 2024-25 Capital One Cup for men’s sports at the ESPYs. While some fans still hope he’ll become something more in the NFL, projections suggest he might be on the outside looking in. One site even floated a trade scenario for Clemson’s Cade Klubnik in 2026.
Whether as a QB or a punchline, Will Howard remains firmly in the spotlight for better or worse.
Related: Simone Biles Under Fire for Controversial ESPYs Comments
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
