In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has officially entered the transfer portal, leaving fans and analysts alike scrambling to understand the implications. But here’s where it gets controversial: Kienholz, a highly touted recruit with NFL aspirations, is walking away from one of the most prestigious programs in the country. Why? And what does this mean for his future—and for Ohio State? Let’s dive in.
According to CBSSports' Matt Zenitz, Kienholz, a 6-foot-2, 214-pound redshirt sophomore, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. Hailing from Pierre, South Dakota, Kienholz was a three-sport star in high school, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His talent didn’t go unnoticed—he was ranked as the No. 138 overall recruit nationally and the No. 11 quarterback in the 2023 class by 247Sports. To top it off, he was named National High School Athlete of the Year by USA Today for the 2022-23 school year. But despite his impressive resume, Kienholz’s time at Ohio State has been marked by limited playing time and tough decisions.
And this is the part most people miss: Kienholz’s decision to enter the portal isn’t just about playing time—it’s about his long-term goals. In a candid conversation with Bucknuts, Kienholz revealed his thought process: “My goal is to go to the NFL, and in order to do that, you’ve got to play.” He acknowledged discussions with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler, emphasizing his commitment to hard work both on and off the field. “I just have to continue to be a hard-working person, whether that’s film study or pushing my teammates to be better,” he said. But is leaving Ohio State truly the best path to the NFL? That’s the million-dollar question.
Kienholz’s journey at OSU has been a rollercoaster. After redshirting in 2023, he was thrust into the spotlight during the Buckeyes’ Cotton Bowl matchup against Missouri. With starting quarterback Kyle McCord opting out and Devin Brown injured, Kienholz was forced into action, completing just 6 of 17 passes for 86 yards in a 14-3 loss. It was a tough situation for any quarterback, let alone a freshman. The following year, as a redshirt freshman in 2024, he served as the fourth-string quarterback during Ohio State’s national championship run. By 2025, he had climbed to the No. 2 spot behind Julian Sayin, showcasing his talent with 11 completions on 14 attempts for 139 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He also added 66 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Despite pushing Sayin for the starting job during fall camp, Kienholz ultimately remained the backup.
Here’s the controversial take: While Kienholz credits Ohio State’s coaching staff, particularly Day and Fessler, for his development, his decision to transfer raises questions about the program’s quarterback management. Is Ohio State doing enough to develop its quarterbacks for the NFL? Or is Kienholz simply seeking a better opportunity elsewhere? It’s a debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions among fans and analysts.
Looking ahead, Kienholz’s departure opens the door for Tavien St. Clair, a former 5-star recruit with four seasons of eligibility remaining, to step into the backup role behind Sayin in 2026. The Buckeyes will also welcome quarterback Luke Fahey as part of their 2026 recruiting class. But as Ohio State moves forward, the question remains: Will Kienholz’s decision pay off? And what does this mean for the future of college football’s transfer landscape?
What do you think? Is Kienholz making the right move, or should he have stayed at Ohio State? Let us know in the comments below—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
