**BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Buckeyes Rising Star Will Howard Invests \$9.7 Million to Transform Facilities into Shelter for Homeless Youth**
COLUMBUS, OH – In a remarkable act of generosity and leadership, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard has announced a \$9.7 million personal investment aimed at converting part of the Buckeyes’ athletic facilities into a state-of-the-art shelter and resource center for homeless youth in central Ohio.
Howard, who transferred to Ohio State in 2024 and quickly became a standout both on and off the field, made the announcement Saturday morning at a press conference attended by university officials, local leaders, and nonprofit advocates. The initiative, named “The Second Chance Project,” will repurpose underutilized space within the athletic complex to provide temporary housing, counseling, education, and job training for young people experiencing homelessness.
“This community welcomed me with open arms, and I want to make sure we’re opening doors for those who need it most,” Howard said. “Football gives us a platform—but it’s what we do with it that truly defines us.”
The new center is expected to serve over 200 youth annually, with partnerships from local shelters, mental health organizations, and job placement programs. Construction is set to begin this summer, with an anticipated opening in early 2026.
University President Kristina Johnson praised Howard’s commitment, calling it “one of the most impactful philanthropic gestures ever made by a student-athlete.”
As the Buckeyes prepare for a promising season on the field, Will Howard’s bold move is already making headlines nationwide—and transforming lives well beyond the stadium.
What inspired Will Howard to take on this cause?
