Justin Fields opened up about his decision to transfer to Ohio State on Wednesday during the Buckeyes' signing day, explaining a main reason was due to his previous relationship with head coach Ryan Day. 

"Coach Day is a great coach. Great offensive-minded coach. We had a relationship in high school, but they had a commit at the time when I was getting recruited by them so I didn't really have great contact with them at that time," Fields explained Wednesday. "(Day) is smart as I can see already. I've met with him on some plays already and I can already tell he's a great offensive-minded coach." 

Fields went on to say that he was "surprised" Tate Martell left the Buckeyes for the Miami in January, adding, "We've got to do what's best for us and I wish the best to him."

The former five-star recruit is in the process of seeking immediate eligibility at Ohio State and said he hopes to find out "soon" on whether he'll be eligible to play for Ohio State next season after filing a petition to the NCAA. 

While the process could take months, Fields can compete this spring with other Buckeyes quarterbacks. The starting job is open after Dwayne Haskins declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. Martel was expected to be Fields' strongest competition, but after he transferred, Matthew Baldwin will be a contender if Fields is granted immediate eligibility.

Fields played in 12 of Georgia's 14 games as a freshman but saw limited action behind sophomore starter Jake Fromm. Fields completed 27 of 39 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushed 42 times for 266 yards and four more scores.