COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State Buckeyes football is getting ready to start fall camp, but one big question looms — who is going to be the starting quarterback? 

Replacing the production of Justin Fields is going to be no easy task, but OSU is headed into a new era, and looking for a new leader under center. So let the arms race begin. 

C.J. Stroud, Jack Miller III and Kyle McCord are all vying for the top spot. 

The open competition is set to begin Wednesday on the first day of camp. Coach Ryan Day said he’ll be looking for strong leadership qualities. 

“The ability to lead a team and lead 10 guys down the field to score that’s the number one thing," Day said. "Great decision making is critically important. We’re going to have a really good team around the quarterback position.” 

Stroud is presumed to be the front-runner. While outsiders may view this as a cut-throat battle for the top spot, Stroud doesn’t, but he welcomes the competition. 

“I mean it makes you so much better,” Stroud said. “Because at the end of the day if you don’t have anyone pushing you you’re not going to get better at anything. So I definitely think competition and someone on your heels is the best way to get better.” 

McCord said iron sharpens iron, so he’s ready to prove himself.

“When you have two other really talented guys that you’re competing with I think it forces you to bring the best out of yourself,” McCord said. “I think they’d say the same thing that we’re all competing with each other but at the same time we’re making each other better.” 

Miller III said he’s hungry and ready to prove his worth.

“Probably, arguably one of the most important things is staying hungry every single day,” Miller III said. “Because camp gets pretty long, and if you’re not hungry, it’s going to show. Like everybody’s going to know if you’re not hungry and you don’t want it.” 

Day said no matter who is named the starter, the other guys will have to be ready because depth is important at such a vital position.

“In order for us to win championships and get where we need to get to where we need to get to, that room has to be strong and they gotta pull for each other,” Day said. “That’s just the way it’s going to go.” 

Five-star recruit Quinn Ewers just threw his hat into the ring, opting out of his senior year of high school to early enroll at OSU. He wasn’t present Tuesday, as he is still working through the enrollment process, but there are high expectations for the coveted prospect — adding another option to replace Fields. 

Ohio State opens the season against Minnesota on Sept. 2.