Aaron Rodgers says he’s ready to help develop a rookie quarterback — and this one happens to be a Kansas State alum.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show this week, the new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said he’s eager to mentor Will Howard, a sixth-round pick who starred at both Kansas State and Ohio State before landing in the NFL.
“If I can help him become a better player, that would be an incredible achievement,” Rodgers said. “He’s such a good kid, and I’m really looking forward to helping him out this season.”
“I wanna help Will Howard as much as possible..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 24, 2025
If I can help him become a better player that would be an incredible achievement..
He’s such a good kid and I’m really looking forward to helping him out this season” @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/YMxnijQ6OC
The comments raised eyebrows, as Rodgers has often drawn criticism for his hands-off approach with young quarterbacks during his time in Green Bay and New York.
Howard, the No. 185 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, arrives in Pittsburgh after a title-winning season at Ohio State.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound quarterback transferred to Columbus after four seasons at Kansas State, where he started 27 games and left as the program’s all-time leader in career touchdown passes.
Known for his toughness mobility and strong arm, Howard brings big-game experience and cold-weather grit to a Steelers QB room that also includes Skylar Thompson—another former Wildcat—and Mason Rudolph, the former Oklahoma State standout.
Howard’s rise has been one of college football’s most intriguing.
After four productive years at K-State, he transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2024 season and led the Buckeyes to a national championship. Yet despite his breakout year in Columbus, Howard has consistently credited Kansas State for shaping his career.
Back in Manhattan, the Wildcats are gearing up for a big 2025.
Avery Johnson returns at quarterback after a breakout campaign, with playmakers Dylan Edwards, Joe Jackson, and Jayce Brown back on offense. Defensively, veterans Austin Romaine and V.J. Payne anchor an experienced unit.
The buzz around the team is also building nationally. Kansas State landed at No. 12 in USA Today’s Top 25, No. 16 in Joel Klatt’s rankings, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index—the highest Big 12 placement in all three polls.
After finishing 9–4 and capping the year with a 44–41 bowl win over Rutgers, Chris Klieman’s squad looks ready to push for a Big 12 title and a shot at the College Football Playoff.