Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz considering entering transfer portal after limited Buckeyes opportunities

It sure sounds like Ohio State Buckeyes backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is all but gone once this season ends.

The Buckeyes are, of course, in the midst of another College Football Playoff run, and they've got to focus on their Cotton Bowl game against Miami on New Year's Eve.

In the meantime, though, Kienholz has been thinking about his future in Columbus as he's stuck sitting behind Heisman Trophy contender Julian Sayin, who will be OSU's starting QB in 2026 as long as he's healthy.

Kienholz is more than thinking about it, actually. He's been talking about it with the OSU staff.

“I’ve definitely had conversations,” Kienholz told "Eleven Warriors" regarding potentially entering the transfer portal (h/t On3). “I’m not 100% sure, but my goal is to go to the NFL, and in order to do that, you gotta play. So I’ve had conversations with Coach Day and also with Coach Fessler a little bit about it.”

Kienholz is a former four-star quarterback, ranked as the No. 11 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. He's in his third season at Ohio State, but he's barely played as a career backup so far.

He made six appearances this season, completing 11-of-14 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. He didn't play at all in 2024, though he did see minutes in OSU's Cotton Bowl loss to Missouri a few years ago. Coming in for injured starter Devin Brown, Kienholz completed just 6-of-17 passes for 86 total yards.

Lincoln Kienholz appreciative of his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes 

It's been a lackluster college career so far from Kienholz, but he has embraced the challenge of being a backup at Ohio State. He knows he's just one play away from getting his number called, so he's been focused on preparation and staying involved in the scheme.

It sounds like he might leave, but ultimately, Kienholz seems to be content with his decision to come to Ohio State. 

“It’s definitely helped me,” Kienholz said about playing at Ohio State. “It’s helped me just learn a lot just 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.”