Lincoln Kienholz Weighs Transfer Decision as He Eyes Starting Opportunity and NFL Future
With the transfer portal set to open later this week, Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz finds himself at a crossroads - and he’s not taking the decision lightly. The redshirt sophomore has been in conversations with head coach Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler about what’s next, knowing full well that his path to the NFL likely runs through meaningful playing time.
“I’ve definitely had conversations,” Kienholz said during Cotton Bowl media day on Monday. “I’m not 100% sure, but my goal is to go to the NFL, and in order to do that, you gotta play.”
That’s the reality facing many talented quarterbacks in today’s college football landscape - especially at powerhouse programs like Ohio State, where the QB room is routinely stacked with blue-chip talent. With Julian Sayin, a Heisman finalist this season, expected to return for at least one more year, Kienholz is evaluating whether it’s time to seek a starting role elsewhere.
Kienholz’s situation is far from unique, but it’s still compelling. He’s entering his third year in Columbus with two years of eligibility remaining, yet he’s yet to start a game.
His most extensive action came two seasons ago in the 2023 Cotton Bowl, when he stepped in for an injured Devin Brown and led the Buckeye offense the rest of the way. This year, he’s served as the team’s No. 2 quarterback, logging 62 snaps and contributing in short-yardage and goal-line packages that showcased his mobility.
It hasn’t been easy watching from the sidelines, but Kienholz has stayed engaged - and appreciative - of the opportunity to learn behind Sayin.
“It’s difficult for sure. Just being a backup quarterback’s hard, ‘cause you are one play away, but then you also might not be playing at all that year,” he said. “But also, just being prepared for that situation is important, ‘cause once you get your chance to go out there, you gotta capitalize on it.”
That mindset - stay ready, stay sharp - has been a guiding principle for Kienholz during his time in Columbus. And while he hasn’t had a full game to call his own this season, he’s made the most of the moments he’s been given.
In limited action, he’s completed 11 of 14 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown, while adding 66 yards and two scores on the ground. It’s a small sample size, but one that hints at the kind of dual-threat upside that makes him an intriguing option for programs in need of a quarterback.
If he does enter the portal, Kienholz is expected to generate significant interest. And history is on his side.
Ohio State has seen several quarterbacks leave the program and go on to flourish elsewhere. Joe Burrow famously transferred to LSU, where he won a Heisman and a national title before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
More recently, Kyle McCord shattered the ACC passing record at Syracuse after leaving Ohio State, and Quinn Ewers parlayed a transfer to Texas into a starting role with the Miami Dolphins.
Kienholz believes his development at Ohio State has laid a solid foundation for whatever comes next.
“It’s definitely helped me,” he said. “It’s helped me just learn a lot about the position and the speed of the game and just everything that comes with being a quarterback at the highest level. So I think it’s gonna help me wherever I go.”
He’s also had a front-row seat to what elite quarterback play looks like. Watching Will Howard lead the Buckeyes to a national title last season and seeing Sayin guide the team to a 12-0 regular season this year has given Kienholz invaluable insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of college football.
“It’s definitely helped me just seeing those guys excel,” he said. “It’s definitely put that picture in my head of what a super-high-level quarterback looks like.
And I’ve got to learn underneath them the past two years. So it’s definitely gonna help me.”
As for what will fuel his own success when he finally gets his shot? Kienholz points to the intangibles - the kind of traits that don’t always show up on a stat sheet but tend to separate good quarterbacks from great ones.
“I’d say just continuing to be a hardworking person, on and off the field, whether that’s film or on the field,” he said. “Just pushing teammates, and also just being that leader as well.”
The transfer portal officially opens Friday, just two days after Ohio State faces Miami in the Cotton Bowl - a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. While the portal window is only open for 10 days, players on CFP teams that reach the national title game receive an additional five-day extension to enter.
Even if Kienholz decides to enter the portal during Ohio State’s postseason run, he’s expected to remain with the Buckeyes through the end of their season. That’s a reflection of his professionalism, his commitment to the team, and his understanding that - in football - you’re always one play away.
For now, the decision looms. But whether he stays or goes, Lincoln Kienholz is a name to watch. He’s been patient, he’s put in the work, and he’s ready for whatever comes next.