Will Howard's Ohio State football message reveals how much Ryan Day meant to him

Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard will always leave parts of his athletic journey in Columbus, Ohio, where last season's magic saw Howard's Buckeyes win a national title. Not only was it Ryan Day's first as coach, alongside the program's first in a decade, but it meant even more to the Kansas State transfer.

Overlooked throughout his career thus far, Howard wanted to reassure Buckeye Nation it would never forget him.

According to 10TV's Adam King, Howard's message about what Ohio State meant to him is now permanent inside the Buckeyes football facilities. 

"They've changed my life in more ways than I can say, man," Howard's quote reads. "Coach Day and these guys here have completely changed my life. I've been developed here like I've never been developed before."

Howard had a prolific season in Columbus, throwing 11 more touchdowns than his final season in Manhattan, but the same number of interceptions. Nevertheless, he delivered on a big stage when it mattered most, knocking off Tennessee, Oregon and Texas en route to the national title game.

Howard proved he can win at the collegiate level, but doing so in the NFL is another question. It may have to take some time, as the recent addition of Aaron Rodgers demonstrates a clear direction the Pittsburgh Steelers are going in.

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Despite that, it seems Howard is always going to remember his time at Ohio State as magical. It's also safe to assume that he will be back for several visits over the next few years to reflect upon one of his best years of his career thus far.

For now, his NFL career has just begun