COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One of the most closely watched spring football seasons at Ohio State is underway, with much of the attention being given to the team’s quarterback race.

Coach Ryan Day and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly spoke to the media after the first of 14 practice sessions Tuesday morning at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

“Good to see a bunch of guys running around. Good energy out there. Continuation of the offseason which I thought was excellent. You could see guys moving around with a purpose,” Day said.

The competition for the starting quarterback spot is set to be the most tightly contested with five players vying for the job, including returning Buckeyes Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz. Both are chasing Kansas State transfer Will Howard, who is widely considered to be the front-runner after starting 27 games for the Wildcats and helping them win the Big 12 championship in 2022.

“We’re really detailed on what practice looks like and how that’s going to operate,” Kelly said. “But you got to let [the quarterbacks] go and let them operate.”

Kelly said he’s been impressed with how quickly Howard has fit in to the program in his short time at Ohio State, knowing that there’s a sense of urgency coming in as a transfer.

“You don’t have to talk to Will more than five minutes to know where he’s coming from,” Kelly said. “He’s really focused. He knows he’s got a short window left in his college career and really wants to capitalize on what that is. There’s a maturity to Will.”

The decision on who will start will likely be up to Kelly, who reunites with Day on the coaching staff after leaving his head coaching position at UCLA. Their relationship dates back decades to when Kelly was Day’s coach during his playing days at New Hampshire.

“We’ve been friends and we continue to be friends,” Day said of Kelly. “We’re both very, very competitive […]There’s a lot of love. I owe much of where I am at right now to him.”

Kelly said he doesn’t mind stepping down from a head coaching role to the offensive coordinator position under Day.

“I understand my role. I’m not in charge here. I actually relish it,” Kelly said. “It’s a very collaborative effort and I think everyone is on the same page.”

This spring will also see how big name transfers will be integrated into the Ohio State system, including former Alabama players Seth McLaughlin (center) and Caleb Downs (safety). And many are wondering how former Mississippi running back Quinshon Judkins will complement TreVeyon Henderson, who decided to come back to the Buckeyes instead of declaring for the NFL draft.

The mix of old and new faces comes after a disappointing end to the 2023 season, which saw the Buckeyes fall to Michigan for the third straight year followed by a disappointing showing against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

The practice season will culminate with the spring game on April 13 at Ohio Stadium.