The Ohio State Buckeyes, fresh off their 2024 national championship victory, are experiencing a wave of departures that could significantly reshape the team heading into the 2025 season. With key players and staff members moving on, the Buckeyes are set to field a different roster and coaching lineup than the one that brought the title home to Columbus.
Among the notable departures, quarterbacks Air Noland and Devin Brown transferred to South Carolina and California, respectively. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Big Ten rival Penn State, while offensive coordinator Chip Kelly made the jump to the NFL to join the Las Vegas Raiders. These exits have sparked discussions about the future of other Ohio State players, including quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who may also be considering a transfer in the upcoming portal window.
Could Lincoln Kienholz Be the Next to Transfer?
Fox Sports analyst RJ Young has fueled speculation that Kienholz could seek a new opportunity elsewhere. Speaking on The Number One College Football Show, Young questioned whether Kienholz would stick around as Ohio State’s third-string quarterback or look for a starting role at another program.
“Does he want to go back up somewhere else, or does he want to stick it out? I honestly look at him, and I say, dude, you could probably go torch someone if you just went to Tulane, Tulsa, or Boise State, for that matter,” Young said. “There are places for him to go to show out. I don’t know that Ohio State is going to be that place.”
Kienholz currently finds himself behind Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair on the Buckeyes’ quarterback depth chart. Given the competition for the starting job, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kienholz explore his options in the transfer portal.
Lincoln Kienholz: Background and Potential Reasons for Departure
Lincoln Kienholz is a former four-star recruit who enrolled at Ohio State in early 2023. As the top-ranked player from South Dakota and the 11th-best quarterback in the nation for his class, Kienholz arrived in Columbus with high expectations.
However, his playing time has been limited, with just 111 passing yards on 10-of-22 completions during his time with the Buckeyes. The arrival of five-star recruit Julian Sayin and the development of Tavien St. Clair make the path to a starting role increasingly difficult for Kienholz.
With limited opportunities at Ohio State, transferring to a school where he could compete for a starting job might be the best option for his career. Programs like Tulane, Tulsa, and Boise State, which Young mentioned, could provide him with the chance to showcase his talent and gain valuable experience as a starting quarterback.
Ohio State’s Quarterback Situation Moving Forward
While Kienholz weighs his options, Ohio State appears ready to move forward with a quarterback battle between Sayin and St. Clair. Sayin, a five-star recruit, comes with significant hype and is expected to be the frontrunner for the starting role. Meanwhile, St. Clair, another highly-rated prospect, will provide strong competition.
If Kienholz decides to transfer, it would further solidify Sayin and St. Clair as the top options for head coach Ryan Day. Ohio State fans will be watching closely to see if Kienholz enters the transfer portal when the next window opens.
Ohio State’s Offseason Overhaul
Beyond the quarterback position, the Buckeyes have undergone significant changes across the roster and coaching staff:
- Coaching Staff Turnover: Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leaving for Penn State and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly heading to the NFL have left major gaps to fill. Replacing them with the right candidates will be crucial for Ohio State’s success in 2025.
- Transfer Departures: Quarterbacks Air Noland and Devin Brown have already left for South Carolina and California, respectively. If Kienholz also departs, the quarterback depth could take a further hit.
- Recruiting and Transfer Additions: The Buckeyes remain one of the top recruiting programs in the nation and will look to replenish their roster through the transfer portal and incoming freshman class.
What’s Next for Lincoln Kienholz and Ohio State?
As the next transfer portal window approaches, all eyes will be on Lincoln Kienholz and his decision. With Ohio State’s quarterback battle heating up between Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair, Kienholz may decide that his best opportunity lies elsewhere.
Regardless of his choice, Ohio State remains a powerhouse program capable of reloading talent and competing at the highest level. But as they prepare for the 2025 season, the Buckeyes must navigate the challenges of roster turnover and coaching transitions to remain national title contenders.
Stay tuned for further updates as the college football transfer portal continues to shape the landscape of the upcoming season.
