Louisville just landed a major piece for its future under center: Lincoln Kienholz, the former Ohio State quarterback, is heading to the Cardinals with two years of eligibility and a clear path to the starting job.

Kienholz made it official Saturday night, just two days after entering the transfer portal. After spending three seasons in Columbus as a backup, he’s ready for a fresh start-and more importantly, a chance to lead.

And the timing couldn’t be better for Louisville. The Cardinals are in the market for a new QB1 after Miller Moss exhausted his eligibility and backup Deuce Adams hit the portal. That leaves the door wide open for Kienholz to step in and take the reins in 2026.

While he didn’t see a ton of action at Ohio State, Kienholz made the most of his limited opportunities. This past season, he served as the Buckeyes’ No. 2 quarterback behind Julian Sayin, completing 11 of 14 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown.

He also showcased his mobility, rushing for 66 yards and two scores on 11 carries. It was a small sample size, but it hinted at the dual-threat ability and poise he brings to the position.

With Sayin locked in as Ohio State’s starter for at least another year, Kienholz had some honest conversations with head coach Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler about his future. His goal?

To start. And ultimately, to make it to the NFL.

“My goal is to go to the NFL, and in order to do that, you gotta play,” Kienholz said before the Cotton Bowl. “So I’ve had conversations with Coach Day and also with Coach Fessler a little bit about it.”

That mindset helped fuel his decision to transfer. But make no mistake-Kienholz isn’t just chasing playing time.

He’s bringing with him three years of development at one of the premier programs in college football. That time in Columbus, even as a backup, has shaped him into a more complete quarterback.

“It’s definitely helped me,” Kienholz said of his Ohio State experience. “It’s helped me just learn a lot just about the position and the speed of the game and just everything that comes with being a quarterback at the highest level. So I think it’s gonna help me wherever I go.”

For Louisville, that “wherever” is now home. And for Kienholz, it’s a chance to finally take center stage.

He becomes the first player from Ohio State’s 2025 roster to transfer out for the 2026 season, and his arrival in Louisville could be a game-changer. The Cardinals are getting a quarterback with high-level training, a chip on his shoulder, and something to prove.

Keep an eye on this one. If Kienholz lives up to the promise he showed in Columbus, Louisville might have just found its next leader-and one with NFL aspirations firmly in sight.