Chambers urges Ohio State to consider Kienholz return in 2027
The short version
- Steele Chambers, ex-Ohio State linebacker, wants the Buckeyes to pursue Louisville QB Lincoln Kienholz for 2027.
- Kienholz transferred from Ohio State after three seasons and the 2025 year as Julian Sayin's backup.
- At Louisville, Kienholz has 816 passing yards, six touchdowns and no picks through three games.
- Kienholz was a four-star recruit and the No. 15 quarterback in the 2023 class per 247Sports.
The ex-Buckeyes linebacker says Louisville's starting quarterback, who left Columbus after the 2025 season, would be worth pursuing next year.
Speaking on The Bobby Carpenter Show on Sept. 21, former Ohio State linebacker Steele Chambers made a pitch for the Buckeyes to reacquire Lincoln Kienholz. The quarterback left Columbus via the transfer portal following the 2025 campaign and is now starting at Louisville.
Kienholz spent three seasons with the Buckeyes without breaking through as the starter. In 2025 he served as the backup to Julian Sayin, who led the FBS in completion percentage and was a Heisman finalist.
Through three games at Louisville, Kienholz has completed passes for 816 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions, ranking 13th nationally in passer rating. He has added 153 rushing yards and four scores on the ground, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, including a Week 3 victory over No. 16 SMU in which he accounted for three touchdowns.
Chambers acknowledged the timing might be awkward but believes the reunion could pay off. Sayin could declare for the NFL draft after this season, though he holds two additional years of eligibility and could stay as Ohio State's starter.
A four-star recruit in the 2023 class, Kienholz was rated the No. 15 quarterback nationally by the 247Sports composite. He has one season of eligibility left beyond the current year.
