It’s no secret, especially in South Dakota, Lincoln Kienholz can play football. But he hasn’t been able to showcase that opportunity in a starter’s capacity, yet.
Ohio State is about to play Miami in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal on Wednesday in the Cotton Bowl, home of where Kienholz got his most playing time, as a true freshman. The Buckeyes lost to Missouri in a game where Ohio State was backed up offensively and Kienholz was held to a limited stat line and never got to really cut loose. Two years later, Kienholz is the backup to Julian Sayin, who was a Heisman finalist and a year younger which can limit the opportunity to become a starter. It’s also no secret how much the transfer portal is utilized by the country. During Media Day at the Cotton Bowl, Kienholz would answer plenty of questions about his future at Ohio State and the possibility of entering the transfer portal. He says he’s had conversations…
While the transfer portal doesn’t open up until Friday, regardless of when Kienholz would make a decision, he will not be in the portal for Wednesday’s game. He’s still preparing for the game just like he would for any game of the season…
Heading into the quarterfinals, Kienholz is 11-14 for 139 yards and a touchdown through the air and has ran the ball 11 times for 66 yards and two scores. Until the Big Ten Championship, Kienholz had been increasing his role in short yard packages but was noticeably absent in a couple of red zone trips where the Buckeyes failed to score without him on the field on short yardage chances. If Kienholz enters the transfer portal, it’s highly likely the greatest quarterback in South Dakota history becomes one of the most sought after transfers in the country even with the limited stats at Ohio State. But while the decision looms, Kienholz is committed to the Buckeyes in the playoffs and says the coaches and teammates are still happy to have him there…
No matter the decision Kienholz makes, central South Dakota still continues to show love to Kienholz and want success for him on and off the field. Ohio State plays Miami at 6:30 Wednesday. The game, like all College Football Playoff games will be on KCCR.
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