Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has made headlines recently by announcing his decision to enter the transfer portal, leaving behind two years of eligibility.
Kienholz, a redshirt sophomore, spent the 2025 season as the backup to Julian Sayin, who has been the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. This decision comes after Kienholz had a limited role in the 2025 season, which saw him appear in just two regular-season games, totaling 21 snaps.
Born in Pierre, South Dakota, Kienholz signed with Ohio State in 2023 as a four-star quarterback recruit. Despite his high potential, Kienholz's time at Ohio State has been marked by limited playing time, having thrown just 36 passes in his college career.
Kienholz's decision to enter the transfer portal highlights the competitive nature of the quarterback position at Ohio State. With three seasons of eligibility remaining, Kienholz is likely seeking a more significant role at another program. His departure leaves behind a glimpse of what might have been, as he was once considered a promising addition to the Buckeyes' roster.
As Ohio State continues to navigate the complexities of the transfer portal, the spotlight now shifts to the future of the Buckeyes' quarterback position. With Kienholz's departure, Head Coach Ryan Day will need to evaluate his options and potentially look for new talent to fill the void left behind by Kienholz.
Kienholz's transfer also raises questions about the future of Ohio State's quarterback development program. Despite his limited playing time, Kienholz has been a part of the Buckeyes' program for three seasons, and his departure could indicate a need for the program to reevaluate its approach to developing young quarterbacks.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Kienholz's departure from Ohio State marks the end of an era for the Buckeyes. As he embarks on a new chapter in his football career, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where he lands and how his new team utilizes his skills.
The move to the transfer portal is not an uncommon one for college athletes, especially those seeking more playing time and opportunities to develop their skills. For Kienholz, this decision represents a strategic move to secure a more prominent role in an environment where he can thrive and continue to grow as a player.
As the football world awaits Kienholz's next move, one thing is clear: his journey with the Buckeyes has come to an end, and a new chapter is about to begin. The Ohio State football program will continue to evolve, and the search for the next great quarterback will undoubtedly be at the forefront of everyone's minds.
