Ohio State football starts its national title defense in just two weeks, and we're still not sure who their starting quarterback will be.

Why it matters: Whoever wins the job will be thrown immediately into the fire — the Buckeyes start their season hosting No. 1-ranked Texas.

Catch up quick: Last year's starter, Will Howard, led the Buckeyes to a championship and was drafted by the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.

• His absence leaves a battle for the 2025 starting spot between Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin, who have attempted a combined 34 passes in their college careers.
• The competition has been tight since the spring game in April, and head coach Ryan Day has praised both.

Zoom in: Day says Sayin, once the heavy favorite for the starting role, is "very smart" and has a lightning-quick release.

• Kienholz, however, has won coaches over with his leadership. He was named one of eight "Iron Buckeyes" — players who demonstrate toughness and dedication during summer workouts.

The latest: Day said this week he's "trying to get both guys ready to go win the game" and will name a starter "as we get closer."

• Many have speculated that Sayin is in the lead, but Day remains tight-lipped for now.

The intrigue: Day compared this to the 2018 duel between Dwayne Haskins and Joe Burrow back when Day was the offensive coordinator.

• That's high praise. Haskins won a plethora of awards that season, while Burrow eventually transferred to LSU and won a Heisman Trophy.

Flashback: Last season's QB competition was similarly unsettled until Howard was officially named the starter on Aug. 15.

Yes, but: There was much less urgency in 2024.

• The Buckeyes started their season as heavy favorites against Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall — they didn't play a ranked opponent until Oct. 12, six games into the season.

This year, a big test immediately awaits.

• The No. 3-ranked Buckeyes host No. 1 Texas in their Aug. 30 season-opener, one of the biggest college football games of the year.
• It's a rematch of last year's College Football Playoff semifinal, a dramatic 28-14 OSU win.

The local bald eagle baby we featured back in June has gained even more fans after a life-threatening scare and inspiring comeback story.

Catch up quick: Two weeks ago, Star fell from her Dublin Road nest due to an unknown illness.

• Birdwatchers who frequent the spot alerted the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which sent a rescue crew and likely saved her life.

The latest: Star is temporarily living at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary near Mansfield. Folks have been following her story on social media and donating to the cause.

• At one point, she was in critical condition. But now she's practicing flying in a cage and has made an "excellent recovery," ODNR spokesperson Lindsey Krusling tells Axios.
• Her blood tests are normal, so we'll probably never know what made her ill.

Star's mother, Athena, fell into the Scioto River the same day Star fell.

• Birdwatchers say she disappeared for a little while but has since returned to the nest and is doing well.

What's next: Star is scheduled to be released back into the area on Monday, Krusling says.

🍸 Fewer Americans are drinking alcohol than ever, according to a new Gallup poll. (Axios)

• Just 54% of adults report drinking alcoholic beverages on occasion.

🏢 The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority purchased the 114-unit Vera on Broad building for $29 million and will convert it to affordable housing. (Dispatch)

🔋Funding for solar energy programs in Columbus and across Ohio is likely to disappear as the Trump administration ends the $7 billion Solar for All federal program. (WOSU)

⌚️ An Ohio House bill introduced by two Republicans would require the state to track applicants who skip job interviews while receiving unemployment benefits. (Statehouse News Bureau)

🥛 Another GOP proposal would legalize the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk, despite opposition from the Ohio Department of Health and CDC. (WEWS-TV)

🎶 Find your rhythm at the CBUS Soul Fest, featuring bands, food and culture in Bicentennial Park.

• 4-10pm today and Saturday, 233 S. Civic Center Drive. Free!

🎭 Experience live drama as Actors' Theatre debuts "She Kills Monsters," a modern off-off-Broadway interpretation in Schiller Park.

• 8pm tonight through Sunday, 1000 City Park Ave. Free!

📚 Celebrate stories during the Ohio History Center's Once Upon Ohio, a day dedicated to children's literature with a performance from kids rock band The Shazzbots.

• 10am-3pm Saturday, 800 E. 17th Ave. $10-16. Kids under 4 free!

🚚 Eat on the go when the Columbus Food Truck Festival: Hilliard Edition returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

• 11am-10pm Saturday, 11am-7pm Sunday, 4951 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard. $5 online, $10 at the door.

🧛‍♂️ Sink your teeth into Vampire Fan Weekend at the convention center, with celebrity autographs, performances, contests and photo ops.

• Saturday ($50 general admission) and Sunday ($75), 400 N. High St. Schedule

♻️ Trade your novels for fresh stories during The Aldus Society's Summer Book Swap at the Whetstone library branch.

• 1:30pm Sunday, 3909 N. High St. Free!

🎸 Catch one of the most influential bands of the 21st century when LCD Soundsystem visits Kemba Live.

• 6pm Sunday, 405 Neil Ave. $100-146.

Tomorrow is National Coaster Day, and we Ohioans are spoiled.

State of play: With Cedar Point to the north and Kings Island to the south, two of the best in the business are just a quick road trip away.

• The duo has racked up a variety of awards over the years, and they're frequently included in "best of" lists across the country.

What's new: Both parks debuted coasters this season.

📊 We want to know: Which of these iconic Buckeye State amusement parks is your favorite?

Vote here by Monday at noon