Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is not part of Ryan Day's plan at the position moving forward. Julian Sayin is QB1 until he declares for the NFL draft, and Tavien St. Clair is projected to take the baton after him, if he's willing to wait.
Kienholz is almost out of time waiting, with two years left of eligibility. For his career's sake, if he wants to maximize his earning potential and actually prove his merit on the field, Kienholz is likely to enter the transfer portal.
Cleveland.com's Stefan Krajisnik reports that Kienholz is likely to receive Power 4 interest if/when he decides to hit the portal. Kienholz's experience in Day's system for the past three seasons is seen as a major selling point for the Pierre, South Dakota, native.
"Thanks to his recruiting profile and time spent under Day, Kienholz would likely be an intriguing prospect for power conference schools if he entered the portal," Krajisnik wrote.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have an immediate need under center within the Big Ten. TTUN may also if Kyle Whittingham decides to explore a cheaper alternative to Bryce Underwood. Other openings figure to open up around the country within the next week, though.
Lincoln Kienholz hinted at entering transfer portal this offseason
Kienholz wasn't shy about the likelihood he's not going to be in a Buckeyes uniform next year. When asked about where he's considering, he didn't deny that he was thinking about a move. He just shared that he's focused on being an emergency stand-in against the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl Classic if something happens to Sayin.
“I haven’t thought about a specific place yet right now,” Kienholz told cleveland.com on Monday when asked if he’s thought about where he might be next season. “I’m just trying to focus on the game.”
In fact, Kienholz sounds at peace with his impending decision. Kienholz also sounds like someone who wouldn't leave OSU if not for the circumstances around him in the QB room.
“It’s been a blessing the past three years just to learn under him, learn his scheme and learn his offense,” Kienholz said. “... It’s going to help me for my career.”
Kienholz has been part of a national championship group, possibly a second if Ohio State can pass its next three tests. Someone will be getting a QB who's been around a lot of winners in the former T.F. Riggs Governors star.