The Ohio State Department of Athletics announced this week that former NFL scout Andy Howell will join the program as a college scout, a move designed to sharpen the Buckeyes’ player identification and development pipelines.
Howell brings decades of professional scouting experience, having evaluated talent for the Cleveland Browns, the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins before transitioning to the collegiate ranks.
A Strategic Addition for the Buckeyes
The hiring underscores Ohio State’s commitment to adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of college football, where name, image and likeness opportunities and roster management have become central to competitive success.
Howell graduated from Ohio University in Athens with a degree in sports management, a background that blends academic insight with on‑field acumen.
His new role will focus on integrating scouting analytics with the university’s growing NIL initiatives, ensuring that scholarship athletes receive both athletic and commercial guidance.
Athletic director Chris Holtmann praised the addition, stating that Howell’s proven eye for talent will help the program maintain its reputation for producing NFL‑ready prospects while navigating the new era of college sports.
The Buckeyes have been proactive in embracing change, from expanding their analytics department to exploring innovative approaches to roster construction, positioning themselves at the forefront of the sport’s transformation.