Ex-Kansas State quarterback Howard headed to Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OHIO » Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard announced his intention to transfer to Ohio State on Thursday night, giving the Buckeyes a replacement for Kyle McCord after his own decision to transfer to Syracuse.

Howard made the announcement on his social media channels.

Howard has one season of eligibility remaining after he went 12-5 as a starter for the Wildcats, leading them past TCU in the 2022 Big 12 title game and helping them reach the Pop-Tarts Bowl this past season. But with Kansas State expected to turn over its offense to five-star prospect Avery Johnson, who led the Wildcats to a victory in the bowl game, Howard announced he was entering the transfer portal and considered Miami and Southern California before settling on Ohio State.

Longhorns declaring for draft

AUSTIN, TEXAS » The Texas exodus has begun. Several Longhorns playmakers who led the team to the program’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff and first Big 12 championship since 2009 have declared for next spring’s NFL draft and will leave school early.

Wide receiver Xavier Worthy and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II have posted statements on social media announcing their departures. Multiple media outlets reported that tailback Jonathon Brooks is also leaving.

Brooks had a breakout year, rushing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns before he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a win over TCU on Nov. 11.

’Bama defenders declare for draft

Alabama linebacker Chris Braswell and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry are heading into the NFL draft.

Both players announced their decisions via social media posts, joining linebacker Dallas Turner and offensive tackle JC Latham in announcing plans to leave the SEC champion Crimson Tide for the NFL.

McKinstry was a first-team Associated Press All-American and two-time first-team All-SEC pick.

Oklahoma fires coordinator

NORMAN, OKLA. » Ted Roof was fired as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at

Oklahoma, following a season in which the Sooners’ defense started strong but struggled down the stretch.

Sooners coach Brent Venables said in a news release that he told Roof he was being let go as defensive coordinator, and that Roof declined an offer to remain on the staff in a different role.

Ole Miss RB Judkins to transfer

OXFORD, MISS. » Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins is entering the transfer portal after opening his college career with two 1,000-yard seasons. The Rebels’ sophomore star announced his decision on X.

The Pike Road, Ala., native has run for 2,725 yards and 31 TDs in his first two seasons with the Rebels. He ran for 1,158 yards and 15 TDs as a sophomore.