Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jeremiah Smith Comments on Ohio State QB’s Decision to Enter Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 1:31 PM ET

Jeremiah Smith and the No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes were eliminated from the College Football Playoff on Wednesday. They lost to the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

That officially ended their 2025 season with a 12-2 record, their other loss coming to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game.

A day after losing to Miami, On3's Pete Nakos reported that Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz plans to enter the transfer portal. The window is only open from Friday through Jan. 16.

As a redshirt sophomore, Kienholz will have two more years of eligibility for whichever program he lands with.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is entering the transfer portal.Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kienholz has spent his entire collegiate career with Ohio State, committing to the Buckeyes out of high school in the 2023 recruiting class.

After his decision to hit the portal was revealed, Smith took to Instagram to show support for his soon-to-be former teammate.

"Be great my guy," Smith wrote on an Instagram story.

In his time with Ohio State, Kienholz has completed 21 of 36 passes for 250 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions and a 125.8 passer rating. He's also rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. In 2025, he played in seven games, completing 11 of 14 passes for 139 yards and a score and 66 of his rushing yards and both touchdowns.

During a July appearance on 97.1 The Fan, Smith praised the quarterback, saying, "Lincoln, he's a dog. ... Me and him went at it this summer in competitions, and he definitely is a tough guy."

During the offseason, Kienholz was in a battle to be the Buckeyes' starting quarterback, but was ultimately beaten out by redshirt freshman Julian Sayin. Considering Sayin isn't eligible for the NFL until 2027, the chances of Kienholz getting much playing time next season were slim.

Kienholz now enters the portal seeking a larger role wherever he lands. Despite his decision to leave, it's clear Smith has no hard feelings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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