Ohio State is adding an experienced NFL scout to its front office staff.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Tuesday that Ohio State has hired Andy Howell as a college scout. Howell brings 14 years of NFL experience to Columbus, including scouting roles with the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. He spent the past decade in Miami, serving as a scouting assistant, player personnel scout and pro scout with the Dolphins.
Sources: Ohio State is hiring veteran NFL scout Andy Howell as a college scout. He’s worked 14 seasons in the NFL with the Browns, Jets and the Dolphins for the last 10 years. pic.twitter.com/u0EjrhpY7E
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 30, 2026
A Cleveland native, Howell graduated from Ohio University with a degree in sports management. While in Athens, he spent two years as a student assistant for the Bobcats, helping the defensive line coach during practices and signaling for the defense during games. Howell returned to the college ranks for one year in 2015, serving as Western Michigan's director of player personnel.
Howell becomes the latest addition to an expanding front office that head coach Ryan Day and general manager Mark Pantoni have built to handle roster management, high school recruiting, transfer portal evaluations and NFL draft preparation. Howell is Ohio State’s 12th full-time front office employee.
According to Thamel, Howell is expected to help Ohio State prepare for the winter transfer portal as the Buckeyes “expand the front office to accommodate the evolving college landscape.” He joins Ohio State as the Buckeyes prepare for a 2026 season with 51 newcomers from the high school and college ranks.
