Ohio State's preseason camp is well underway, and the battle for the starting quarterback position is intensifying. Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer, continued to impress during the team's third practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Saturday.

Howard, who had a rocky spring season, has been steadily gaining momentum since the start of camp. While he didn't have any standout throws on Saturday, he consistently displayed accuracy and command during team drills and 7-on-7 sessions. The quarterback also showcased his running ability with an explosive sprint up the left sideline, demonstrating his versatility on the field.

However, Howard is facing stiff competition from his teammates. Julian Sayin and Devin Brown also had their shining moments during Saturday's practice. Sayin, a true freshman, showed his potential as he led multiple drives behind the first-team offense. He delivered an impressive deep ball that drew defensive interference, highlighting his arm talent. Brown, on the other hand, had a slightly off day but still managed to connect on a spectacular throw to wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Three days into August practice, Howard seems to be solidifying his position as the frontrunner in Ohio State's quarterback competition. Sayin, however, is hot on his heels, making a case to be the team's second-string quarterback. Brown, despite a mediocre performance on Saturday, remains in the mix as well.

The team also made progress in determining the starting offensive line. Left tackle Josh Simmons, left guard Donovan Jackson, and right tackle Josh Fryar solidified their positions by taking all the first-team reps. Seth McLaughlin and Carson Hinzman showed promise at the center position, while Tegra Tshabola battled with Hinzman for the right guard spot.

McLaughlin stood out during team drills, impressing both as a blocker and a pass protector. Simmons showcased his skills during one-on-ones, shutting down talented defensive players. Fryar demonstrated his agility at right tackle, although he had a momentary setback with a sack during a drill.

A notable development along the offensive line was the inclusion of Luke Montgomery, who took second-team center reps and also played at right guard. This versatility could prove vital if Hinzman secures the starting role at right guard.

In the running back department, freshmen James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon have been turning heads with their performances. Both have exhibited cutting ability and made impactful runs during preseason camp. Williams-Dixon has also shown proficiency as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. With limited depth in the running back position, their readiness to contribute is crucial for the Buckeyes.

On the defensive side, cornerback Jordan Hancock had an outstanding practice on Saturday. He consistently disrupted passes and even tipped one for an interception. Davison Igbinosun showcased his skills with a well-timed tackle that shut down a screen pass. Sonny Styles, despite his lack of experience at linebacker, displayed versatility and made plays as both a run stopper and in coverage.

Other standout defensive players included linebacker Arvell Reese, who intercepted a pass and applied pressure on the quarterback, and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, who was disruptive in drills. The practice also saw live field goal attempts, with Jayden Fielding proving to be the most consistent kicker.

Saturday's practice drew attention from NFL scouts, including representatives from the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, and Washington Commanders.

As the preseason camp progresses, the battle for starting positions intensifies. Ohio State's coaching staff continues to evaluate the performances of the quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive standouts. The competition remains fierce, and it will be interesting to see how the depth chart takes shape in the coming days.