With Rival Schools Calling, Lincoln Kienholz Doesn’t Flinch — He’s All-In With Ohio State, Showing the Power of Buckeye Loyalty
With Rival Schools Calling, Lincoln Kienholz Doesn’t Flinch — He’s All-In With Ohio State, Showing the Power of Buckeye Loyalty
With Rival Schools Calling, Lincoln Kienholz Doesn’t Flinch — He’s All-In With Ohio State, Showing the Power of Buckeye Loyalty
In today’s ever-shifting landscape of college football—where the transfer portal, NIL deals, and behind-the-scenes offers constantly tempt athletes to change course—one young quarterback is making headlines not for jumping ship, but for staying true.
Lincoln Kienholz, the rising sophomore quarterback at Ohio State, has made it clear: he’s not going anywhere.
Despite reports of a highly lucrative and persuasive offer from a major Big Ten rival—an offer that would have included substantial NIL compensation and a near-guaranteed starting spot—Kienholz reaffirmed his commitment to the Buckeyes, doubling down on his loyalty to the program that first believed in him.
Sources close to the situation say the offer was not only “financially significant,” but also “impressive in terms of opportunity.” One Big Ten insider even suggested the rival program was ready to reshape its offensive scheme around Kienholz. But none of it mattered to the young QB from Pierre, South Dakota.
“I committed to Ohio State because I believe in what this team stands for,” Kienholz said in a statement shared via social media. “We have unfinished business here, and I’m proud to be a Buckeye.”
More Than a Quarterback
Kienholz isn’t just any recruit. The former four-star prospect brought a blend of athleticism and poise that quickly caught the attention of coaches, players, and fans alike during his freshman year. Though he played a supporting role behind veteran signal-callers in 2024, those inside the program consistently praised his work ethic, leadership, and rapid development.
“He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t just show up—he raises the standard,” said offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. “That’s the culture we want at Ohio State. That’s the Buckeye way.”
His refusal to entertain transfer speculation is a powerful testament to that culture—one that values not just talent, but trust, tradition, and team-first mentality.
The Offer That Wasn’t Enough
College football’s evolving NIL era has made loyalty harder to come by. Star players across the country are being approached with seven-figure offers and incentives to change jerseys. In that environment, it’s easy to understand why a player in Kienholz’s position might listen when opportunity knocks.
But according to those close to Kienholz, the decision wasn’t even difficult.
“He’s built different,” said one Ohio State assistant coach. “He could’ve chased money or spotlight elsewhere. But Lincoln’s thinking long-term—he wants to build something, not just cash in.”
And it’s not just about the on-field future. Kienholz has been deeply embedded in Ohio State’s locker room culture, forming close bonds with teammates and emerging as a vocal presence during spring practices.
“Lincoln has the locker room behind him,” said teammate and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. “He’s one of us. And when he said he’s staying, that fired everybody up.”
Buckeye Brotherhood
What stands out most in this story isn’t just that a young athlete turned down a rival—it’s what that decision represents. Kienholz’s commitment reinforces something head coach Ryan Day and his staff have been working hard to cultivate: a program that players want to stay in, not just pass through.
“This program is built on loyalty, hard work, and belief in each other,” Day said at a recent press conference. “When a guy like Lincoln turns down that kind of offer, it tells us that the culture is working. These kids believe in what we’re building.”
For fans, it’s a refreshing narrative. In an age where the offseason often brings more drama than the regular season, Kienholz’s decision is a throwback to the values that made college football special in the first place.
Looking Ahead
With Kienholz firmly in the fold, the Buckeyes enter the 2025 season with renewed optimism and continuity at the quarterback position. Expectations are high, and the pressure is real—but so is the belief that this group can make a serious run at the national title.
As for Kienholz, he’s focused on the grind.
“I’m here to compete. I’m here to win,” he said. “Everything else is noise.”
And with that simple, grounded mindset, Lincoln Kienholz has not only won the respect of Buckeye Nation—but sent a clear message to the rest of college football: loyalty still matters, and in Columbus, it still runs deep.
