Lincoln Kienholz was crisp at quarterback at Ohio State’s spring scrimmage, along with further observations.

The quarterback position is often the focal point of any college football program, especially when it involves a historic powerhouse like Ohio State. Heading into spring practice, the Buckeyes were tasked with solidifying the future of their offense, particularly at the quarterback position. The team’s spring scrimmage gave fans, analysts, and coaches a glimpse into how the quarterbacks were progressing. Among the most anticipated players was Lincoln Kienholz, a promising quarterback who has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited time with Ohio State.

Kienholz’s performance at Ohio State’s spring scrimmage was nothing short of impressive. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound redshirt freshman displayed a level of poise and precision that immediately captured the attention of the coaching staff and the media. While it was only a scrimmage, Kienholz’s ability to command the offense, his quick decision-making, and his accuracy on the move suggested that he could be an integral part of the team’s future.

In this article, we’ll break down Kienholz’s performance in the scrimmage, analyze what his success means for the future of Ohio State’s quarterback room, and highlight other important takeaways from the event.

Kienholz’s Performance: A Closer Look

1. Poise Under Pressure

One of the most impressive aspects of Kienholz’s performance was his poise under pressure. Despite the competitive nature of the scrimmage and the inherent chaos that often comes with these events, Kienholz maintained a calm demeanor. His ability to read the defense, navigate the pocket, and make quick decisions under pressure stood out.

Kienholz’s poise was especially evident when he faced some of Ohio State’s toughest defensive units. On multiple occasions, he managed to avoid a sack by sidestepping oncoming defenders and making accurate throws on the move. In particular, a few of his deep passes down the sideline showcased both his accuracy and his ability to extend plays, giving his receivers time to get open.

2. Precision Passing

Kienholz’s accuracy was on full display throughout the scrimmage. His arm strength and mechanics allowed him to throw with precision on various routes, whether it was quick slants, timing routes, or deep throws. On one notable play, Kienholz threw a perfectly placed 40-yard pass to a receiver in stride, hitting him in the chest as he was in full sprint. This kind of deep-ball accuracy is vital for any quarterback, especially in Ohio State’s high-powered offense, which often relies on stretching the field.

Kienholz’s ability to hit moving targets while under pressure is another promising sign for his future. His throws were crisp and well-placed, allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch.

3. Mobility and Playmaking Ability

Though Kienholz is known for his strong arm and passing abilities, his mobility also made an impact during the scrimmage. He demonstrated an ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs when necessary. In one instance, after being pressured by an oncoming rusher, Kienholz calmly scrambled to his right and found an open tight end in the middle of the field for a 15-yard gain. His agility and vision allowed him to keep plays alive, a crucial trait for any quarterback in today’s college football landscape.

Kienholz’s mobility isn’t just about avoiding pressure; it’s about creating opportunities. On multiple occasions, he showed the ability to make defenders miss and pick up yardage on the ground when the passing lanes were closed. This dual-threat ability only adds another layer to his already impressive skill set.

4. Leadership and Command of the Offense

Beyond the physical aspects of his performance, Kienholz demonstrated strong leadership during the scrimmage. As the quarterback, he was in constant communication with his teammates, ensuring that everyone was lined up correctly and on the same page. His vocal leadership was especially evident during the team’s two-minute drill, where Kienholz orchestrated a quick-paced, methodical drive down the field, leading to a touchdown in the final moments.

Kienholz’s ability to lead by example and remain calm in critical situations speaks volumes about his mental fortitude. This leadership trait will serve him well as the quarterback for Ohio State, where expectations are always sky-high.

Other Key Observations from Ohio State’s Spring Scrimmage

While Kienholz’s performance was one of the major highlights of the scrimmage, there were several other noteworthy observations from the event.

1. Quarterback Competition

Though Kienholz stood out, Ohio State’s quarterback competition remains open. Senior Kyle McCord, a returning starter, also had a strong showing, demonstrating his experience and maturity in the pocket. McCord’s calm demeanor and ability to make quick decisions were evident, and he connected with his receivers on several sharp throws. That being said, Kienholz’s performance in the scrimmage has certainly put him on the radar as a potential future starter.

The quarterback battle between Kienholz and McCord will likely dominate headlines throughout the offseason, as both players offer unique skill sets. McCord’s experience and leadership will certainly factor into the decision-making process, but Kienholz’s performance in the scrimmage may have given him an edge in the competition for the starting job.

2. Receiver Depth and Development

Another area that stood out during the scrimmage was the depth and development of Ohio State’s receiving corps. With the departure of standout wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the NFL, the Buckeyes’ receiving unit is looking for new stars to emerge. Several receivers had notable performances during the scrimmage, including Emeka Egbuka, who showed off his route-running skills and ability to make contested catches.

Kienholz showed excellent chemistry with his receivers, especially in connecting with Egbuka on a series of deep balls. The growth and development of these young receivers will be crucial to Ohio State’s offensive success in the fall, and Kienholz’s ability to make quick decisions will be essential in helping them reach their full potential.

3. Offensive Line Play

Another key takeaway from the scrimmage was the solid performance of the Ohio State offensive line. While there were occasional breakdowns in protection, overall, the offensive line gave the quarterbacks plenty of time to operate in the pocket. Kienholz had time to survey the field and make his reads without feeling constant pressure, which allowed him to showcase his talents to their fullest extent.

The offensive line’s ability to protect the quarterback will be critical moving forward. With Kienholz’s mobility and pocket awareness, the line’s performance will give him the freedom to operate and make plays.

4. Defensive Improvements

On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State’s defense was aggressive and disruptive. The defense, led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, continues to show signs of improvement from last season. The defensive line was able to generate pressure, while the secondary showed solid coverage skills. That said, Kienholz’s ability to navigate the defense and avoid sacks was impressive, as he was often able to make quick decisions before pressure could collapse the pocket.

The defense will certainly pose challenges for Ohio State’s offense throughout the season, but Kienholz’s performance suggests he will be able to handle these challenges with poise and skill.

What Kienholz’s Performance Means for Ohio State’s Future

Kienholz’s standout performance in the spring scrimmage is a promising sign for Ohio State’s future, especially at the quarterback position. While the competition is far from over, Kienholz has proven that he has the skill set and leadership qualities to succeed in one of the most high-pressure positions in college football.

His combination of arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and leadership makes him a compelling candidate to take over as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, whether it happens this season or in the near future. With more practice and development, Kienholz could very well become the next star quarterback for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State has a rich history of quarterback play, and Kienholz’s performance at the spring scrimmage has added him to the list of promising young quarterbacks in the program. Whether he wins the starting job this year or in the coming seasons, Ohio State fans can rest assured that the future of the quarterback position is in capable hands.

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Kienholz and the rest of the quarterbacks as they continue to battle for the top spot. Regardless of the outcome, Kienholz has undoubtedly shown that he is a player to watch in the years to come.