Ohio State coach Ryan Day ended a quarterback competition many viewed as a forgone conclusion.

The Buckeyes will start the season with Justin Fields under center as Day said he beat out Gunnar Hoak. The competition was between the former quarterbacks at Georgia and Kentucky.

“All the guys had good camps, but Justin kind of separated himself in the last week,” Day said at a press conference announcement on Monday, according to Colin Hass-Hill of Eleven Warriors. “… “I think he envisioned himself being the starter. Now he’s got to go run with it.”

Day added that any runs from Fields will be calculated, “down to the last carry.”

Fields, a sophomore, is facing great expectations as the Buckeyes look to continue the offensive prowess seen under former QB Dwayne Haskins. Fields was one of the highest-rated high school prospects at any position in 2018 as his athletic ability, arm strength and accuracy are top notch. But he’s never started a game as he largely came in after Jake Fromm in limited action.

Hoak, a graduate transfer from Kentucky, had a similar career at his previous school.

In his two seasons at Kentucky, Hoak completed 13-of-26 passes for 167 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. In his freshman season at UGA, Fields completed 27 of 39 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns while carrying the ball 42 times for 266 and four TDs.

The Buckeyes open with Florida Atlantic on Aug. 31.