Will Howard's Girl as the Buckeyes quarterback connected with receiver Jeremiah Smith late in the fourth quarter to give Ohio State a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday. Friend burst into tears.
Howard has been very private about his personal life. Dating Lauren Riker in 2023.
ESPN cameras captured Ryker wearing a red and white moto jacket celebrating with Howard's parents, Bob and Maureen Howard, in the stands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Riker appeared to put his hands on his chest and scream, “Oh my god!”
The two reportedly met when they were both students at Kansas State University before Howard transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2024 season.
She said Riker lives in Kansas and works as a medical assistant at Johnson County Dermatology. LinkedIn profile.
While Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard and others fought back to cut the lead to eight points in the fourth quarter, Howard hit a big third-down pass to Smith to seal the victory.
With less than three minutes left, Howard hit Smith 56 yards on third-and-11.
The Fighting Irish scored two touchdowns and two two-point conversions late in the fourth quarter to make it a one-score game after trailing 31-7.
Howard came on strong late in the game and led the Buckeyes to their first national title since 2014.
The 23-year-old was named the offensive MVP of the game.
Howard completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards, two touchdowns and 57 rushing yards.
His 13 consecutive complete games to start the game were the all-time record for a national championship game.
