Ohio State QB Will Howard’s girlfriend surprises in Buckeyes red jacket celebrating natty

On By Littum

The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in the College Football Playoff national championship on January 20.

Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard turned in an incredible performance against a stout Notre Dame defense, completing 17-of-21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns, along with 57 rushing yards. Howard was named the game’s Offensive MVP.

Cheering on the Buckeyes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday night was Howard’s girlfriend, Lauren Leiker. While Leiker keeps a low profile on social media, Leiker immediately turned heads during the national championship.

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Leiker, who looked stunning in a red jacket and black pants, sat with Howard’s parents, Bob and Maureen Howard. ESPN’s cameras captured many of his family’s reactions throughout the game.

Leiker met Howard while they were both students at Kansas State University. However, the 23-year-old quarterback transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2024 season before leading the Buckeyes to their first title win since 2014. Howard’s 13 straight completions to start the game was a national championship game record.

While Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard and Co. battled back in the fourth quarter, Howard’s big third down pass to Jeremiah Smith sealed their win.

Maureen Howard, Lauren Leiker

January 20, 2025: Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s mother, Maureen, Howard and his girlfriend, Lauren Leiker. / ESPN

Lauren Leiker, Maureen Howard

January 20, 2025: Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s mother, Maureen, Howard and his girlfriend, Lauren Leiker. / ESPN

Leiker lives in Kansas, where she says she works as a physician assistant at Johnson County Dermatology LinkedIn profilehowever, she has been a fixture in all of Ohio State’s playoff games this season.

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