In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 Rose Bowl celebration, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard found himself unable to join his teammates on stage to celebrate their hard-earned victory, sparking confusion and frustration among fans and players alike.
The Buckeyes had just secured a thrilling win in one of college football’s most prestigious games, and the team was eager to bask in the glory of their achievement. As the team gathered on stage to receive their trophies, Howard, who had played a pivotal role in the win, was suddenly stopped by security personnel before he could join the celebration.
“They’re blocking me,” Howard said, visibly frustrated, as he tried to approach the stage. “I’ve been waiting all season for this moment, and now this happens.”
Sources close to the Ohio State football program have speculated that there was a mix-up regarding Howard’s access to the stage. It is believed that security personnel may have been under the impression that Howard was not listed among the official players allowed on stage due to an oversight in the event’s coordination.
Howard, who had been instrumental in guiding the Buckeyes to victory with several key plays during the game, was left in an awkward position as his teammates cheered from the stage above him. Fans in the stands were equally baffled by the delay, with many expressing their support for the quarterback’s inclusion in the celebration.
“This is just ridiculous. Will’s been such an important part of this team. To see him left out of the celebration like that is disappointing,” said one Ohio State fan.
Eventually, after several tense moments, Howard was escorted to the side of the stage, where he was able to join his teammates for the final moments of the celebration. However, the incident left many questioning how such a mix-up could occur at such a high-profile event.
Despite the brief setback, Howard remained in high spirits, later sharing his gratitude for the team’s efforts in securing the victory. “It’s been an amazing journey, and no matter what happened backstage, I’m just proud of this team and the fans who supported us all the way,” Howard said.
As Ohio State celebrates their win and prepares for the next season, the moment will likely go down in history as one of the more unusual and unexpected incidents in recent college football history.
