Overview
- Ohio State’s season ended with a 24-14 Cotton Bowl loss to Miami, setting the stage for immediate roster movement.
- At least six Buckeyes have announced departures or intentions to enter the portal within 24 hours, including TE Jelani Thurman, QB Lincoln Kienholz, CB Bryce West, LB C.J. Hicks, WR Bryson Rodgers, RB Sam Dixon and QB Mason Maggs, according to multiple reports.
- Kienholz confirmed he will enter the portal seeking playing time to pursue NFL ambitions after backing up Heisman finalist Julian Sayin; he appeared in 12 games over three seasons with 250 passing yards and one touchdown.
- With Kienholz exiting, Sayin remains entrenched as starter and five-star Tavien St. Clair steps into the No. 2 role, clarifying the quarterback depth chart heading into 2026.
- The NCAA’s winter transfer window runs Jan. 2–16, concentrating movement and prompting rapid outreach to departing Buckeyes, with media speculation mentioning Penn State among potential fits for Kienholz.