### Ohio State Football Faces Major Player Exodus Following Cotton Bowl Defeat The Ohio State Buckeyes are experiencing significant player movement as the NCAA transfer portal opens, particularly following their disappointing loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals. Key players, including backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholz and defensive end C.J. Hicks, have already announced their intentions to transfer, signaling a potential shift in the team's roster for the upcoming season. This trend is not isolated, as multiple players are expected to follow suit, reflecting the broader implications of the transfer portal on college football dynamics. ### Breakdown of Ohio State's Transfer Portal Situation 1. **Immediate Player Departures**: - Following the Cotton Bowl loss, three players have entered the transfer portal, including Kienholz and Hicks [https://www.irishstar.com/sport/college-football/ohio-state-transfer-portal-day-36486810]. - Kienholz, a redshirt sophomore, confirmed his decision to leave the program after competing for the starting quarterback position [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/ohio/ohio-state-backup-qb-lincoln-kienholz-plans-to-enter-transfer-portal]. 2. **Impact of the Cotton Bowl Loss**: - The defeat against Miami has triggered a wave of transfers, with players like tight end Jelani Thurman also announcing their exit shortly after the game [https://www.newsbreak.com/brobible-500260/4421031311458-ohio-state-player-enters-transfer-portal-immediately-after-loss-to-miami-at-cotton-bowl]. - The loss has not only affected player morale but has also raised questions about the team's future and recruitment strategies [https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/01/what-lincoln-kienholzs-transfer-says-about-the-future-of-ohios-quarterback-room.html]. 3. **Future Implications for the Program**: - Ohio State's coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, will need to address the growing concerns regarding player retention and recruitment as they prepare for the next season [https://www.newsbreak.com/athlon-sports-1600280/4421501612393-ryan-day-ohio-state-dealt-bad-news-after-miami-loss]. - The transfer portal's influence is expected to reshape the roster significantly, with potential new recruits being considered to fill the gaps left by departing players [https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2026/01/160827/ohio-state-transfer-portal-tracker-quarterback-lincoln-kienholz-tight-end-jelani-thurman-and-defensive-back-bryce]. ### Evidence of Player Movement and Its Consequences - **Player Transfers**: - **Lincoln Kienholz**: Backup quarterback entering the portal after three seasons [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ohio-state-qb-lincoln-kienholz-152457054.html]. - **Jelani Thurman**: Tight end who announced his transfer immediately after the Cotton Bowl [https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/ohio-state-football-news-te-transfer-portal-cfp-miami]. - **C.J. Hicks**: Defensive end also set to leave the program [https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2026/01/160827/ohio-state-transfer-portal-tracker-quarterback-lincoln-kienholz-tight-end-jelani-thurman-and-defensive-back-bryce]. - **Team Performance**: - Ohio State finished the season with a 12-2 record, but the back-to-back losses, including the Cotton Bowl, have led to a critical reassessment of the team's strategy moving forward [https://www.newsbreak.com/a-to-z-sports-1666355/4420983626723-ohio-state-football-player-makes-decision-that-he-will-be-entering-transfer-portal-just-after-buckeyes-disappointing-loss-to-miami]. ### Conclusion: Navigating the Transfer Portal Landscape In summary, **Ohio State football is at a crossroads** following its recent playoff exit, with significant player departures reshaping the team's future. The immediate loss of key players like Kienholz and Thurman highlights the urgent need for the coaching staff to adapt to the evolving landscape of college football, particularly the impact of the transfer portal. 1. **Immediate Transfers**: Key players have already announced their departures, indicating a trend that may continue. 2. **Impact of Loss**: The Cotton Bowl defeat has catalyzed player movement, raising concerns about team stability. 3. **Future Strategies**: Ohio State must focus on recruitment and retention to rebuild and strengthen the roster for the upcoming season. As the transfer portal continues to influence college football, Ohio State's ability to navigate these changes will be crucial for its competitive future [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/ohio/ohio-state-football-transfer-portal-tracker-follow-player-movement].