Kyle McCord likely to return next year
Good news: Injured buckeyes player likely to return from injury in the…..
That playing time won’t be enough to sustain Kienholz’s wants. He wants to start. With Kyle McCord likely to return next year, he won’t start next year. In 2025, he would still have to compete with Devin Brown and 2024-commit Air Noland for the starting job.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Keinholz decided to enter the transfer portal. He could wait until the Spring to see how the quarterback room shakes out. If he is able to win the backup job, there’s a chance he decides to stay. I doubt that happens though. Brown is the likely backup.
Kienholz was a four-star recruit for a reason. He can make some really good throws and can move around a little bit. I do think he has what it takes to start for a good program. I’m just not sure he gets that chance to start in Columbus. There’s too much talent at quarterback coming in.
Ohio State Football: 3 players who probably won’t return in 2024
Jayden Ballard
We know that wide receiver is the deepest group on this Ohio State football team. They have some really strong talent because they recruit for that position well every year. Because there are so many great players in that room, not everyone gets playing time.
Jayden Ballard is one of those guys that doesn’t see a whole lot of time. He returns punts right now because the Buckeyes don’t want Emeka Egbuka to re-injure his leg, but that’s about the extent of the snaps he sees. Unless it’s a blowout, he doesn’t get receiver reps.
That’s not likely to change next year despite both Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. leaving for the NFL. Julian Fleming will likely stay and true-freshman Carnell Tate is already getting reps over Ballard. Add that to Brandon Inniss and two more five-star freshmen coming in next year, and that doesn’t leave a spot for Ballard.
Ballard should leave and find a place that will give him some playing time. He’s still a good player. I think he could be a Power 5 starter, just not with the Buckeyes. If he wants to play at the next level, he has to get some playing time to show that he’s actually good.
I would expect Ballard to enter the transfer portal once the season is over. I’d be very surprised if he decided to stay. The next player on this list could also leave the Buckeyes in search of more playing time.
