Ohio State University quarterback Will Howard has been making headlines both on and off the field, and a big part of his support system is his girlfriend, Lauren Leiker.
The couple, who have been together since at least 2023, share a relationship that has lasted through the challenges of distance and college football fame.
Howard, who transferred to Ohio State in 2024 after beginning his college football career at Kansas State University in 2020, is now leading the Buckeyes into the Cotton Bowl on January 10.
With just one win standing between them and a National Championship appearance, Howard’s rise to prominence has been a rollercoaster, but through it all, Leiker has been by his side, offering unwavering support.
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Their romance
Howard and Leiker’s relationship began during their time at Kansas State University, where Howard first joined the Wildcats. Leiker was studying at KSU from 2019 to 2023, earning a degree in human health biology and integrative health services. While their time at Kansas State overlapped, their relationship has had to endure a long-distance dynamic since Howard transferred to Ohio State.
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Their bond was first made public when Leiker appeared in one of Howard’s Instagram posts in April 2023, which showed the couple together along with Howard‘s family and teammates. The post marked the beginning of Leiker‘s public presence on Howard‘s social media.
Despite their busy schedules, Howard and Leiker make it a point to celebrate their victories together. After Ohio State’s thrilling win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1, Howard found Leiker in the crowd to share a special kiss with her. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral across social media platforms, drawing attention from fans and commentators alike.
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“I’ve always said it… Backwards hat = easy access,” commented Kelly Stafford, wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, on the viral post, which was shared by ESPN.
While Howard has been focused on football, Leiker has been carving out her own path. Born and raised in Kansas, she attended Kansas State University before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in human health biology and integrative health services.
Her academic excellence is reflected in her time on the Honor Roll and the receipt of a Department of Biology Scholarship. Leiker was also an active member of the Chi Omega sorority during her college years.
After earning her degree, Leiker has worked as a medical assistant for a dermatologist in Kansas since May 2022.
Prior to this role, she worked as a sales and logistics coordinator for a golf cart company from May 2017 to April 2022.