BUCKEYE BALANCE: Ohio State Sophomore QB Lincoln Kienholz Opens Up About Uncertain Future—Says He’d “Love to Stay” as He Weighs Next Move in Career-Crossroads Moment
The quarterback room at Ohio State has always been a pressure cooker, a crucible where potential either flourishes under the spotlight or gets swallowed by the weight of competition. For Lincoln Kienholz, the talented sophomore quarterback from Pierre, South Dakota, that reality is hitting closer to home than ever before. After a freshman season spent largely observing from the sidelines and an offseason marked by transition, coaching changes, and positional shuffles, Kienholz now finds himself at a crossroads that could define not only his Ohio State career but potentially the trajectory of his entire football future. Speaking with Eleven Warriors on Monday, the young signal-caller admitted that his future in Columbus remains uncertain, though his heart still leans toward staying with the Buckeyes. “I’d love to stay,” he said, a simple statement that belies the complex decision ahead of him.
Kienholz’s words come at a time when the quarterback depth chart at Ohio State remains one of the most scrutinized in college football. With the Buckeyes eyeing a national championship and quarterback play playing an outsized role in that pursuit, every rep, every throw, and every intangible matters more than ever. Lincoln Kienholz arrived in Columbus with high expectations and a reputation as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, having led his high school to back-to-back state championships and displaying the kind of dual-threat ability that modern offenses covet. However, college football waits for no one, and the unforgiving nature of elite-level programs has made it increasingly difficult for young quarterbacks to get the time and space they need to develop.
In 2023, Kienholz redshirted, a move that allowed him to learn the system, build rapport with teammates, and adjust to the speed of the college game. Still, watching from the sidelines while others took center stage has likely been a humbling experience. The emergence of other quarterback contenders in the room, the transfer portal looming large, and the win-now expectations at Ohio State create an environment where every player must evaluate their future with cold calculation. When asked about what factors he’s considering, Kienholz alluded to playing time and the competitive landscape ahead, stating, “I just want what’s best for me, wherever that is.”
Ohio State has long been a factory for quarterback talent. From Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor to Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and most recently C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes have regularly turned elite recruits into first-round NFL Draft picks. However, for every success story, there are countless others who had to transfer elsewhere to find playing time and success. The arrival of new quarterbacks through recruitment and transfer adds even more complexity to Kienholz’s situation. With the Buckeyes continuing to recruit top-tier talent at the position, including blue-chip freshman prospects and seasoned veterans via the portal, it becomes increasingly difficult for second- and third-year players to ascend the depth chart without a clear opportunity.
Yet despite the storm clouds of uncertainty, Kienholz’s voice carries a note of loyalty and belief in the program. “This is one of the best places to play football,” he remarked. “The coaches, the fans, the tradition—there’s nothing like it.” That belief in the Buckeye brand is deeply rooted, and it’s not just lip service. Those close to Kienholz describe him as a fierce competitor but also a team-first player, someone who understands the value of patience and development. In an era where quarterbacks are transferring at record rates in search of immediate playing time, Kienholz’s sentiment of wanting to stay stands out as both refreshing and rare.
But the business of college football often requires more than loyalty and passion. With coaching staffs making decisions based on performance, potential, and long-term fit, the harsh reality is that quarterbacks have to be both strategic and adaptable. The modern quarterback carousel, supercharged by NIL opportunities and relaxed transfer rules, has created an environment where movement is more norm than exception. For Kienholz, the decision to stay or go may ultimately rest on the feedback he receives from coaches during fall camp, the pecking order that emerges, and his own readiness to either compete or take his talents elsewhere.
The Buckeyes’ offensive scheme under head coach Ryan Day is one that demands precision, intelligence, and consistency. Kienholz has had over a year now to absorb the playbook, work with the quarterback coaches, and acclimate to the culture. Whether or not that results in an opportunity to play meaningful snaps in 2025 remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Kienholz has made an impression behind the scenes. Teammates and staff have spoken positively about his attitude, preparation, and leadership in practices. “He’s the type of guy who puts in the work when no one’s watching,” one team source noted. “He hasn’t complained once, just keeps grinding and waiting for his shot.”
This offseason, the buzz around the Ohio State quarterback room has been particularly intense, with fans and analysts alike speculating on the depth chart hierarchy. With returning players, incoming freshmen, and potential transfers all vying for snaps, the competition will be fierce. For Kienholz, that means every rep in practice matters. His performance in summer workouts and the upcoming fall camp will likely play a major role in shaping how the coaching staff views his place in the pecking order. But even as he continues to compete, the external noise and speculation will be impossible to fully ignore.
If Kienholz were to explore transfer options, he would not be lacking in suitors. His high school pedigree, strong arm, mobility, and experience in a top-tier program like Ohio State would make him an attractive candidate to a variety of programs—Power Five or otherwise—looking for a quarterback with potential and polish. But transferring also comes with its own risks: new systems to learn, unfamiliar locker rooms, and the challenge of earning trust all over again. For many players, the decision to stay put and battle through adversity becomes the more courageous and rewarding path.
The culture at Ohio State is one that demands excellence, but it also fosters growth for those willing to embrace the process. Lincoln Kienholz has been part of that process now for over a year. He knows the expectations, the grind, and the competition. His comments about “loving to stay” should not be taken lightly—they reflect a young man who still sees a future in Columbus, still believes in what he signed up for, and still wants to be a part of something bigger than himself. Whether or not that vision aligns with reality remains the central question.
For the Buckeye faithful, Kienholz represents the kind of player every program needs: talented, humble, hungry, and team-oriented. His situation is emblematic of the broader tensions that exist in college football today, where loyalty often clashes with pragmatism, and where dreams of glory must be balanced with the need for opportunity. Whatever decision he ultimately makes, Lincoln Kienholz has already shown a level of maturity and perspective that speaks well of his character. His desire to stay and compete should be applauded, and if he does get his chance to lead the Buckeyes on the field, it will be a moment hard-earned and well-deserved.
In the meantime, all eyes will remain on the quarterback battle in Columbus, and Lincoln Kienholz’s name will be central to that conversation. Whether he stays and rises through the ranks or takes his talents elsewhere in pursuit of playing time, one thing is certain: his journey is far from over. And wherever it leads, the foundation built at Ohio State will continue to shape who he becomes, both as a player and as a person. For now, the decision hangs in the balance, but the love for the program still burns bright. As Kienholz put it, “I’d love to stay”—a simple yet powerful statement that may ultimately define this next chapter of his football life.
