Lincoln Kienholz didn’t dance around the question. When asked about his future at Ohio State, the Buckeyes’ backup quarterback gave a refreshingly honest answer - one that reflects the tough reality many talented college quarterbacks face in the era of the transfer portal.
“I’ve definitely had conversations,” Kienholz said Monday, referring to discussions with head coach Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler. “I’m not 100% sure, but my goal is to go to the NFL, and in order to do that, you’ve got to play.”
That’s the crux of it. Kienholz wants to play.
Lincoln Kienholz says he hasn’t made his final decision on whether he’ll enter the transfer portal, but he’s discussed the possibility with Ryan Day and Billy Fessler.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) December 29, 2025
“I've definitely had conversations. I'm not 100% sure, but my goal is to go to the NFL, and in order to do… pic.twitter.com/jSpSEmNZAI
And right now, he’s sitting behind a quarterback who’s not just entrenched as the starter - he’s thriving. Julian Sayin, a Heisman finalist in just his sophomore year, has taken the reins of the Buckeyes’ offense and run with them.
Sayin transferred in from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement and immediately looked the part of a future first-round pick. This season, he’s completed 78.4% of his passes for 3,323 yards, with 31 touchdowns to just six interceptions.
His passer rating? A stellar 182.1.
His QBR? An elite 90.1, second-best in the nation.
That kind of production doesn’t leave a lot of room for anyone else to make a case under center - even someone as talented as Kienholz.
A four-star recruit out of South Dakota, Kienholz was part of Ohio State’s 2023 class and came in with solid credentials. Ranked as the No. 11 quarterback in the country by 247Sports, he originally committed to Washington before flipping to the Buckeyes late in the process. At 6'2", 215 pounds, with the ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, he’s the kind of dual-threat quarterback that fits a lot of modern systems.
But at Ohio State, opportunity has been limited. Over three seasons in Columbus, Kienholz has completed 21 of 36 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown, while adding 68 rushing yards and two scores on 17 carries. He’s shown flashes, but not the kind of extended game reps that scouts and NFL evaluators need to see.
And that’s the dilemma. Kienholz has the tools.
He has the pedigree. What he doesn’t have - yet - is the platform to prove it consistently.
If he does decide to enter the transfer portal, interest won’t be a problem. Programs across the country are always looking for experienced quarterbacks with upside, and Kienholz checks a lot of boxes. He’s been in a high-level quarterback room, he’s learned under a respected offensive mind in Ryan Day, and he’s handled a tough situation with maturity and perspective.
He hasn’t made a final decision. But he’s clearly thinking about what’s next - and he’s thinking about it through the lens of his long-term goals.
For now, he remains a Buckeye. But if Lincoln Kienholz wants to take the next step toward the NFL, it might just require a new jersey and a new opportunity in 2026.