Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin and quarterback Will Howard first crossed paths as players at Alabama and Kansas State, but their first encounter did not indicate the lasting friendship that has grown over the season. As the Buckeyes get ready to face Notre Dame in the national championship game on Monday night, McLaughlin shared insights about his bond with Howard and how the duo of skilled transfers has developed together at Ohio State. As reported by On3’s Pete Nakos, McLaughlin claimed that Howard “big-timed” him when they encountered each other on Bourbon Street in New Orleans following the Crimson Tide’s victory against Kansas State in the 2022 Sugar Bowl.
“I reached out to shake his hand, but he didn’t realize I was a player, so he acted like he was above me,” McLaughlin stated through On3. “For two years, I wasn’t fond of that guy.” McLaughlin moved to Ohio State two days prior to Howard choosing to do the same. Mclaughlin took the opportunity to remind his new quarterback of their initial encounter from years ago. “I brought that up to him, and he was like, ‘Oh my god, you seem familiar,’” McLaughlin stated.
It seems that any disagreements the two might have had were resolved swiftly, as a significant portion of Ohio State’s achievements this season can be credited to McLaughlin, the Rimington Trophy recipient, and Howard, an All-Big Ten honoree. “McLaughlin stated that we’ve been best friends since our very first day on campus.” “It’s been amazing getting to understand him, and we’re going to be friends for life.” As Howard gets ready to guide the Buckeyes against a tough Irish defense, McLaughlin will be aiding from the sidelines to conclude his college career. The NFL prospect is recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury sustained before Ohio State’s victory against Indiana in November.
Ohio State (13-2) is set to compete against Notre Dame (14-1) on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) for the championship in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
