BREAKING NEWS: Toyota Signs Ohio State Quarterback Will Howard to Landmark National Endorsement Deal

 

In a groundbreaking move that bridges the worlds of college athletics and major corporate sponsorship, Toyota has officially signed Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard to a national endorsement deal, according to a report released Wednesday morning. This unprecedented agreement makes Howard the first active NCAA football player to ink a national-level partnership with the automotive giant.

 

The deal marks a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, as major brands increasingly look to college athletes for high-impact endorsements. Toyota, traditionally conservative in athlete partnerships, appears to be making a bold strategic shift with Howard as the face of its latest campaign.

 

Howard, who transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State and quickly became a leader on and off the field, is expected to appear in a series of Toyota commercials, digital content, and community outreach events aimed at connecting with younger audiences and sports fans across the country.

 

“This is more than just a brand deal — it’s a statement,” said a source close to the negotiations. “Toyota sees Will not just as an exceptional athlete, but as someone who embodies leadership, resilience, and broad market appeal.”

 

Industry analysts suggest the move could open the door for other top-tier college athletes to secure high-profile partnerships with global brands, particularly as companies look to leverage the growing influence of college sports in national marketing strategies.

 

Howard’s on-field performance and off-field presence have both played a role in building his personal brand. His leadership in Ohio State’s spring practices and his potential to lead the Buckeyes into a championship-contending season made him an attractive target for major endorsement.

 

Toyota has yet to release official details of the campaign, but insiders say the rollout will include national TV spots, social media features, and possible crossover events tied to college football’s most high-profile matchups this fall.

 

The agreement reflects the broader NIL revolution reshaping college sports, where athletes can now benefit financially from their personal brand while retaining NCAA eligibility. This deal not only raises Howard’s public profile but also sets a new bar for how student-athletes and major corporations can collaborate under the new NIL rules.

 

With the college football season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Howard — both for his play under center and his historic off-field partnership with Toyota.

 

Will this deal set a precedent for future collaborations between powerhouse brands and college stars? The answer may unfold with every snap of the season.