Former Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz drops strong statement as noise is growing around him at his new college football home

Former Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz drops strong statement as noise is growing around him at his new college football home

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Former Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz drops strong statement as noise is growing around him at his new college football home
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (3) and head coach Ryan Day watch during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (3) and head coach Ryan Day watch during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The former Ohio State backup quarterback has a chance to make a big jump with the Louisville Cardinals this fall. The latest from the ex-Buckeye is what you want to hear.

The Ohio State Buckeyes had a quarterback battle going on this time a year ago that Julian Sayin eventually won. 

It always felt like Sayin was going to be the guy for the Buckeyes over Lincoln Kienholz, but Kienholz didn't make it easy, which is why Ohio State was comfortable with him as the backup in case anything went wrong. 

After three seasons in Columbus, Kienholz opted to transfer to the ACC back in the winter in search of a chance to be a starting quarterback. All signs point toward him getting the chance, and his time at Ohio State has him in a good spot. 

Lincoln Kienholz credits multiple Ohio State QBs as he gets ready to step into the spotlight 

Kienholz is set to be the starter for Jeff Brohm at Louisville in 2026 and the Cardinals quickly targeted him as their guy in the transfer portal. After three seasons in a reserve role in Columbus, Kienholz feels good about where he stands. 

"You know, Kyle, Will, and Julian – I've learned from the past three quarterbacks I've been around," Kienholz said, via Cardinal Sports recently. "It's about stepping into that role and embracing it. Dropping everything, not caring what people think, and just going out and playing ball."

Kienholz appeared in seven games for the Buckeyes in 2025, as they liked his dual-threat ability as a QB able to take off and run. The South Dakota native completed 11-of-14 passes for 139 passing yards and a touchdown as Sayin's backup last season. In his Ohio State career, he is 21-of-36 passing for 250 yards and no turnovers. Kienholz has added 68 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground in his 12 games played at Ohio State.  

"You keep your head down and grind," Kienholz said. "I feel like those past couple of years really prepared me for this moment."

Kienholz is entering his fourth season of college football and could have a fifth year potentially if he wants it. On3's Andy Staples has Kienholz ranked the No. 6 QB in the ACC ahead of the 2026 season. The ranking comes before Kienholz officially being named the starter for Louisville with zero starts under his belt. 

The talent is there with Kienholz, and he's a very athletic quarterback who starred in multiple sports in high school. Ohio State got Kienholz as a top 15 quarterback in the class of 2023, and it'll be interesting to see what he can do in a system that's been quarterback-friendly over the years at Louisville. 

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Former Ohio State QB Lincoln Kienholz drops strong statement as noise is growing around him at his new college football home

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