The Ohio State Buckeyes saw their 2025 season come to an abrupt end Wednesday night with a College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to the Miami Hurricanes.
As the transfer portal officially opened on Friday, the immediate aftermath has prompted several players to consider their futures away from Columbus.
Among the first to make a move is backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who publicly declared his intention to enter the portal after three years spent primarily in a reserve role within the Buckeyes’ quarterback group.
With Julian Sayin poised to return as the undisputed starter for the upcoming season, Kienholz’s decision opens the door for him to pursue a full-time starting position at another program.
Moments after Kienholz shared his news, he received a brief but encouraging message from standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is projected to come back to Ohio State for his junior year following a strong performance against Miami.
“Be great, my guy,” Smith posted on his Instagram story.
Smith backed up his own expectations with seven catches for 157 yards and one touchdown in the quarterfinal defeat.
Throughout the past season, Kienholz operated as the primary backup to Sayin, having competed fiercely for the top spot during the offseason before ultimately falling short.
Once Sayin claimed the role, he held onto it firmly, guiding the team deep into the postseason and earning a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Kienholz still managed to appear in 12 contests across his three years in the program, highlighted by a start in the 2023 Cotton Bowl against Missouri as a true freshman, where he completed 21 of 36 attempts for 250 yards and one score.
This season alone, he played in seven games, typically entering in mop-up duty or as a change-of-pace runner during lopsided victories.
His entry adds to an expanding group of quarterbacks exploring the transfer market in the coming weeks.
As Ohio State begins to reshape its roster under head coach Ryan Day, Kienholz’s departure underscores the rapid movement typical of the modern college football landscape.
While the Buckeyes look ahead to building around returning stars like Sayin and Smith, Kienholz embarks on a search for a program where he can take center stage and showcase his full potential.
