**Why Lincoln Kienholz’s Transfer Signals a Shift in Ohio State QB Strategy**
Key Takeaways:
- Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has entered the NCAA transfer portal after losing the Ohio State starting job.
- His exit comes as freshman Julian Sayin emerges as the Buckeyes’ next likely quarterback.
- Kienholz’s decision reflects growing quarterback competition and turnover across top programs.
Columbus, Ohio — Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is trending after officially entering the NCAA transfer portal following his unsuccessful bid to earn the starting job at Ohio State. Kienholz had spent two years in the Buckeye program with long-term development in mind, but a crowded and talent-rich quarterback room left limited opportunity for him to lead the offense.
Julian Sayin’s Rise Ends Kienholz’s Buckeye Bid
Julian Sayin, a highly-touted transfer from Alabama, is widely expected to become the next starting quarterback at Ohio State. His rapid progress over spring practice and his blue-chip pedigree signaled a clear direction for head coach Ryan Day. Despite Kienholz showing flashes of potential — most notably during the 2023 Cotton Bowl emergency appearance — he was unable to sustain a competitive edge over Sayin.
Built to Develop, Not to Start — For Now
Kienholz joined Ohio State in 2023 with full awareness that he would not be an immediate starter. The plan was to develop under Day’s quarterback-driven system and emerge in year three. However, similar to the path taken by Devin Brown and Joe Burrow before him, waiting wasn’t rewarded with a firm starting opportunity. Sayin’s arrival and performance reshaped the quarterback hierarchy, and Kienholz joins a growing trend of top recruits transferring in search of playing time elsewhere.
What This Means for Ohio State and Kienholz’s Future
Ohio State will move forward with Sayin and promising freshman Tavien St. Clair waiting in the wings. As for Kienholz, his next destination hasn’t been announced, but his background in a sophisticated passing system and mentorship under Ryan Day gives him transfer value. A Big Ten program or Group of Five school needing a field-ready quarterback could provide the ideal fit. Ohio State continues to showcase how elite programs navigate the modern transfer portal era — stocking their quarterback room with top-tier talent, even at the risk of rapid turnover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is lincoln kienholz trending?
A: He is trending because he entered the transfer portal after failing to win the Ohio State starting quarterback job.
Q: What happens next?
A: Kienholz will likely announce his transfer destination soon, potentially before preseason camps begin in Summer 2024.
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