The Penn State Nittany Lions could steal an intriguing Big Ten quarterback in the transfer portal.
It's looking more and more like Ethan Grunkemeyer will be the Penn State Nittany Lions' starting quarterback next season, but it's also possible that Penn State peruses the transfer portal to try and find some competition.
There are a bunch of intriguing quarterbacks set to be available when the portal opens on Friday, but Jason Burgos of Sportsnaut has linked the Nittany Lions to one signal-caller in particular: Lincoln Kienholz.
Kienholz spent the first three years of his collegiate career at Ohio State, but never got the chance to actually receive legitimate playing time. Now, he has decided to enter the portal, and Burgos feels that Penn State could be a fit for him.
"Penn State will look to replace transfer Drew Allar this year. It would not be a surprise if new head coach Matt Campbell looks to bring his starter at Iowa State this year, Rocco Becht, with him to the Nittany Lions. However, Lincoln Kienholz could be an intriguing option as well," Burgos wrote. "He comes from a top program and was beaten out for a starting job by one of the best QBs in the country this season. Plus, luring him away from a top rival would be a bonus."
Lincoln Kienholz. Credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Kienholz lost out to Julian Sayin in Columbus this year, and last season, he was beaten by Will Howard, who had transferred to the Buckeyes from Kansas State.
A former four-star recruit, Kienholz is a three-star transfer and a very compelling dual threat who may just need a change of scenery to break out.
Of course, Penn State has plenty of other holes to fill, as well. The Nittany Lions must patch up their receiving corps while also deciding what to do in their backfield with both Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen heading into the NFL Draft.
The fact that Penn State is largely bereft of proven weapons at the moment could make it a bit of a risky bet for a transfer quarterback, but chances are, Campbell will land some impressive talent in the portal. It's Happy Valley, after all.
We'll see if Kienholz and the Nittany Lions prove to be a match here in the coming weeks. It would definitely be interesting to see Penn State pry a signal-caller away from a hated Big Ten rival.