College Football Transfer Portal Opens Amid CFP Action
While the College Football Playoff (CFP) is heating up, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes in the world of college football.
Starting Friday, right after the CFP quarterfinals, the transfer portal will open for a two-week window. Teams are actively looking to enhance their rosters.
An example is new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, who is reportedly interested in Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Thorsby. Thorsby has announced his intention to enter the portal.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel noted that Texas Tech, who lost in the quarterfinals, and Miami, which secured a win against Ohio State, are also potential landing spots for Thorsby.
Thorsby, in his junior year, had an impressive season, throwing 27 touchdowns and only five interceptions, helping the Bearcats achieve a 7-5 record.
As many programs look to add talent, others may see significant player departures.
Ohio State is facing considerable uncertainty, particularly with backup quarterback Lincoln Kienholtz entering the transfer portal. Additionally, running back James Peoples has also decided to make the same move.
There are numerous notable players searching for new opportunities, and Kienholtz’s departure is accompanied by Julian Sain, who is expected back in Columbus after a successful season.
Even before Ohio State’s loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl, Kienholtz had hinted at his feelings about possibly leaving. “We had a conversation,” he said. “I’m not entirely sure, but I aim for the NFL, and I need to play to get there.”
Kienholtz has spent three seasons with Ohio State, where he completed only 36 passes this past year but had some rushing success, recording 66 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
Peoples, who has played for the Buckeyes for two years, still has two years of eligibility left. He rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns during his freshman year, but recently found himself removed from the depth chart in favor of rookie Bo Jackson.
Last season, Peoples gained 344 yards while Jackson finished with a team-high of 1,090 yards. His departure isn’t surprising given his limited participation in recent games, including no playing time during Ohio State’s loss to Miami in the CFP.
