Ohio State Football: 3 players who probably won’t return in 2024

3. Lincoln Kienholz

The Ohio State football team recruited Lincoln Kienholz as their 2023 quarterback. Then ended up landing the four-star recruit from South Dakota after striking out on some other QB prospects. Kienholz actually got some playing time against Michigan State last week.

That playing time won’t be enough to sustain Kienholz’s wants. He wants to start. With Kyle McCord likely to return next year, he won’t start next year. In 2025, he would still have to compete with Devin Brown and 2024-commit Air Noland for the starting job.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Keinholz decided to enter the transfer portal. He could wait until the Spring to see how the quarterback room shakes out. If he is able to win the backup job, there’s a chance he decides to stay. I doubt that happens though. Brown is the likely backup.

Kienholz was a four-star recruit for a reason. He can make some really good throws and can move around a little bit. I do think he has what it takes to start for a good program. I’m just not sure he gets that chance to start in Columbus. There’s too much talent at quarterback coming in.

Of the three players I’ve listed, Kienholz is the most likely player to return. He still has more time to earn the playing time he seeks. I think he’s a good quarterback who just needs to get a shot at winning a starting job.