At least one former Buckeye has already found a new home in the transfer portal, with rising junior quarterback Lincoln Kienholz committing to Louisville on Saturday.
Kienholz was up for the starting job at Ohio State to begin the 2025 season, but was beat out by redshirt freshman Julian Sayin, who ended up being fourth in voting for the Heisman Trophy this season.
The Buckeyes seldom included Kienholz in the offense despite using him multiple times in games in a running package, which showed some promise. But once the postseason came around, Kienholz didn’t see any more time on the field.
Kienholz is a former four-star recruit out of South Dakota and came to Ohio State in the 2023 class. His first action was in the 2023 Cotton Bowl after quarterback Kyle McCord transferred and backup Devin Brown was injured in the first quarter.
In the 2024 season, Kienholz was the fourth quarterback on the Ohio State depth chart, with Will Howard, Brown and Sayin all ahead of him. Kienholz didn’t throw a single pass that season.
He finishes his Ohio State career with 21 completions on 36 attempts for 250 yards passing and one touchdown, which came in the 70-0 win over Grambling State earlier this season. He also rushed for two touchdowns this season, one against Minnesota and one against Purdue.
Kienholz will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Cardinals and will get the opportunity to play under head coach Jeff Brohm.
