According to multiple reports, Ohio State backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is set to enter the transfer portal.
Kienholz, who was in a position battle to be the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback over the offseason, will likely depart Columbus after three seasons with the team.
Kienholz was a four-star prospect out of high school. He was ranked the No. 138 player, the No. 11 quarterback and the No. 1 player from South Dakota. However, he didn’t receive much of a chance to earn playing time until the last game of his true freshman season in the 2023 Cotton Bowl.
Kienholz was inserted into the lineup in Ohio State’s 14-3 loss to Missouri, after then-starter Kyle McCord was unavailable after he entered the transfer portal and backup Devin Brown exited the game with an injury. Kienholz completed just 6/17 passes in the loss for 86 yards.
This year, Kienholz was the backup to Sayin and played well in limited opportunities. Kienholz completed 11/14 passes this year for 139 yards and a touchdown.
Kienholz will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next destination.
With Kienholz likely leaving the program following the season, the Buckeyes’ 2026 quarterback room is expected to include Sayin, freshman Tavien St. Clair and incoming freshman Luke Fahey.
