Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Mariah Miranda

Will Howard’s family includes his parents, Bob and Maureen Howard, his younger brother Ryan Howard, and his two younger sisters, Tori and Grace Howard. The American football quarterback, born on September 24, 2001, in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). His girlfriend, Skyler Skoglund, has also been an important part of his personal life since they began dating in November 2024.
Howard became nationally recognized after leading Ohio State University to victory in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. However, behind his football achievements is a close-knit family that has supported his development from childhood through his college and professional careers.
From his parents’ successful business venture to his younger brother’s college football career, here is everything publicly known about Will Howard’s girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
Will Howard’s Girlfriend: Who Is Skyler Skoglund?
Skyler Skoglund is Will Howard’s most recently publicly confirmed girlfriend. The couple began dating in November 2024, when Howard was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Their relationship attracted public attention during Ohio State’s successful College Football Playoff campaign and continued after Howard was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In an October 2025 interview with People magazine, Skyler discussed their relationship and explained how she balances her professional career with supporting an NFL quarterback.
She revealed that she developed a particularly close relationship with Howard’s parents and siblings during the early stages of their romance.
Skyler frequently attended Ohio State games and later traveled to support Howard following his transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As of now, there has been no widely verified public announcement that the couple has separated, although their current relationship status has not been independently confirmed through a more recent statement.
Who Is Skyler Skoglund?
Skyler Skoglund is an American healthcare professional who has worked as an anesthesia assistant.
She became publicly known through her relationship with Will Howard, although she has maintained her own professional interests outside football.
During her interview with People, Skyler explained that her healthcare responsibilities sometimes make it challenging to travel regularly for NFL games.
Nevertheless, she has continued to support Howard during significant moments in his football career.
Skyler also has a family connection to professional football through her sister, Sara Skoglund.
Sara became engaged to NFL offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin, who previously played alongside Howard at Ohio State University.
This connection ultimately played an important role in bringing Skyler and Will together.
How Did Will Howard and Skyler Skoglund Meet?
Will Howard and Skyler Skoglund were introduced through Skyler’s sister, Sara, and Sara’s partner, Seth McLaughlin.
At the time, McLaughlin was a teammate of Howard at Ohio State University.
According to Skyler, her sister and McLaughlin believed she and Howard had compatible personalities and encouraged them to meet.
Their first date was a double date to a comedy show with Sara and Seth.
The relationship quickly developed, and Skyler began spending time with Howard’s family while supporting him during Ohio State football games.
She was part of his support system when the Buckeyes won the national championship in January 2025.
Following Howard’s selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the couple continued their relationship as he adjusted to professional football.
Will Howard’s Ex-Girlfriend: Lauren Leiker
Before his relationship with Skyler Skoglund became public, Will Howard was romantically linked to Lauren Leiker, whom he met while attending Kansas State University.
Lauren studied human health biology and integrative health services at Kansas State, graduating in 2023.
She later worked as a medical assistant in Kansas.
During Howard’s college career, Lauren appeared in photographs associated with the quarterback, and several entertainment publications identified her as his girlfriend.
However, the exact beginning and end of their relationship have not been comprehensively documented.
By October 2025, Skyler Skoglund had publicly confirmed her relationship with Howard, explaining that they began dating in November 2024.
Will Howard’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Will Howard has no publicly confirmed children. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has not announced the birth or adoption of any children.
There is also no verified public information suggesting that he has become a father privately.
Although Howard has been publicly associated with Skyler Skoglund, neither has announced having children together.
His public interviews have generally focused on his football career, his religious faith, and the support he receives from his parents and siblings.
Whether Howard plans to start a family in the future remains a personal matter that he has not publicly discussed in detail.
Will Howard’s Parents: Meet Bob and Maureen Howard
Will Howard was born to Robert “Bob” Howard and Maureen Howard, who raised four children in Pennsylvania.
His parents have supported his athletic development from an early age and have frequently traveled across the United States to watch him play football.
Beyond their roles as parents, Bob and Maureen also share a successful entrepreneurial background, having established a business that developed products for babies.
Will Howard’s Father: Bob Howard
Bob Howard is Will Howard’s father and a former finance professional and entrepreneur.
He attended Pennsylvania State University, where he studied finance, before earning a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Villanova University.
Bob subsequently worked in real estate finance before becoming involved in entrepreneurship.
During Will’s childhood, Bob recognized his son’s athletic abilities and helped encourage his participation in sports.
In a November 2024 interview with NBC4 Columbus, Bob recalled observing Will successfully making basketball shots in their basement when he was approximately two years old.
He explained that his son’s natural coordination suggested he might have a promising athletic future.
As Howard developed into a talented quarterback, Bob became one of his most consistent supporters.
He attended games during Will’s high school career at Downingtown West, his college years at Kansas State, and his championship-winning season at Ohio State.
Bob also helped establish the Baby Merlin Company alongside his wife, Maureen.
The family business became known for its baby sleep products, particularly the Magic Sleepsuit.
Will Howard’s Mother: Maureen Howard
Maureen Howard is Will Howard’s mother, a pediatric physical therapist and entrepreneur.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware before completing a master’s degree in physical therapy at Temple University.
Maureen previously worked in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Her experience in pediatric healthcare eventually helped inspire a business venture that would become an important part of the Howard family’s story.
When Will was a baby, Maureen experienced difficulties getting him to sleep comfortably for extended periods.
Drawing on her knowledge of child development and physical therapy, she developed a specialized garment designed to help babies transition from traditional swaddling.
The product later became known as Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit.
In 2008, Maureen and Bob officially established the Baby Merlin Company.
The business initially operated from their family home, with their children sometimes helping unload shipments and organize products.
After years of development and growth, the couple sold the company to Perch in 2021.
Maureen remained publicly associated with the brand following its sale.
Outside her professional career, she has supported Will throughout his football journey.
During the 2025 College Football Playoff, Maureen acknowledged that watching her son compete involved significant emotional ups and downs.
Nevertheless, she emphasized the importance of remaining calm and allowing Will to concentrate on his responsibilities as a quarterback.
Will Howard’s Siblings: Meet Ryan, Tori and Grace Howard
Will Howard has three siblings: one younger brother, Ryan Howard, and two younger sisters, Tori Howard and Grace Howard.
Will is the eldest of Bob and Maureen Howard’s four children.
His siblings have supported his football achievements, while Ryan and Tori have also pursued competitive athletics.
Ryan Howard: Will Howard’s Younger Brother
Ryan Howard, born on June 8, 2005, is Will Howard’s younger brother and a college football offensive lineman.
Like Will, Ryan attended Downingtown West High School in Pennsylvania.
He developed into a promising offensive tackle, earning recognition for his size, physical strength, and performances on the football field.
ESPN ranked Ryan among the leading offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 recruiting class.
After graduating from high school, he followed his older brother’s example by joining Kansas State University.
Ryan became a member of the Kansas State Wildcats football program, where Will had played quarterback from 2020 to 2023.
According to Kansas State’s official athletics website, Ryan stands approximately 6 feet 7 inches tall and has continued developing as an offensive lineman.
He made his first official college football appearance as a starting left tackle against Nicholls on September 5, 2026.
Will attended the game alongside their parents, Bob and Maureen, and sisters, Tori and Grace.
In an interview published by Kansas State University on September 10, 2026, Will described the experience of watching his younger brother make his college debut as a special and emotional family moment.
Ryan has also spoken about being inspired by his older brother’s experiences at Kansas State and Ohio State.
The brothers share a strong bond built around football, family support, and the challenges of competing at the collegiate level.
Tori Howard: Will Howard’s Younger Sister
Victoria “Tori” Howard is Will Howard’s younger sister and a former collegiate swimmer.
Like her brothers, Tori grew up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and attended Downingtown West High School.
She later enrolled at Penn State University, where she participated in the women’s swimming and diving program.
Penn State’s official athletics records identify Victoria Howard as a backstroke swimmer during the 2021–2022 season.
Her decision to attend Penn State created an interesting family connection, as her older brother Will later transferred to Ohio State, one of Penn State’s major Big Ten football rivals.
Despite attending different universities, the siblings have maintained a supportive relationship.
Tori has appeared in family photographs and has attended significant sporting events involving her brothers.
In September 2026, she joined her parents, Will, and younger sister Grace to support Ryan during his first official college football appearance at Kansas State.
Grace Howard: Will Howard’s Youngest Sister
Grace Howard is the youngest of the four Howard siblings.
She grew up in Pennsylvania alongside Will, Tori, and Ryan.
Unlike her older siblings, whose athletic careers have been documented through universities and professional football organizations, Grace has generally remained outside the public spotlight.
However, she has participated in family gatherings and attended football games to support her brothers.
In September 2026, Grace accompanied her parents and siblings to Kansas State University for Ryan’s first college football appearance.
As of now, verified information about her education, career interests, and other personal details remains limited.
How Will Howard’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Will Howard’s close relationship with his parents and siblings has been an important influence throughout his football career.
Growing up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, he participated in several sports, including basketball and football.
His parents encouraged him to explore different athletic opportunities while also emphasizing the importance of education and discipline.
At Downingtown West High School, Howard became a successful quarterback and received the All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year award in 2019.
He subsequently committed to Kansas State University, where he spent four seasons and helped the Wildcats win the Big 12 Championship in 2022.
Although Kansas State was far from his family’s home in Pennsylvania, his parents frequently traveled to attend games.
Howard transferred to Ohio State University in 2024, seeking an opportunity to compete for a national championship and improve his prospects of reaching the NFL.
The move proved successful.
During the 2024 season, he threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns, helping Ohio State capture the College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2025.
His performances earned him recognition as the offensive most valuable player of the championship game against Notre Dame.
In April 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Howard in the sixth round of the NFL Draft with the 185th overall pick.
His family continued supporting him as he began the next stage of his football career.
Howard has also spoken about the lessons he learned while helping his parents with their family business during childhood.
He has credited the experience with teaching him the value of hard work, patience, and perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Will Howard’s Family
Who is Will Howard’s girlfriend?
Will Howard’s most recently publicly confirmed girlfriend is Skyler Skoglund, an American healthcare professional. They began dating in November 2024 after being introduced through Skyler’s sister and Howard’s former Ohio State teammate Seth McLaughlin.
Is Will Howard married?
As of now, Will Howard has not publicly announced a marriage. There is no verified information identifying a wife.
Does Will Howard have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Will Howard. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has not announced becoming a father.
Who are Will Howard’s parents?
Will Howard’s parents are Bob Howard and Maureen Howard. His father has a background in finance and entrepreneurship, while his mother is a pediatric physical therapist and co-founder of the Baby Merlin Company.
How many siblings does Will Howard have?
Will Howard has three siblings: his younger brother Ryan Howard and his younger sisters Tori and Grace Howard.
Who is Will Howard’s brother?
Will Howard’s younger brother is Ryan Howard, an offensive lineman at Kansas State University who made his first official college football appearance in September 2026.
Does Will Howard have any sisters?
Yes. Will Howard has two younger sisters, Victoria “Tori” Howard and Grace Howard. Tori previously competed in swimming at Penn State University.
Where is Will Howard’s family from?
Will Howard grew up with his family in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, a community in Chester County near Philadelphia.
What business do Will Howard’s parents own?
Bob and Maureen Howard founded the Baby Merlin Company in 2008, developing baby sleep products including the Magic Sleepsuit. They sold the company in 2021.
What NFL team does Will Howard play for?
Will Howard plays quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
