Four-Star QB Lincoln Kienholz flips from Washington to Ohio State

Four-star quarterback Lincoln Kienholz of Pierre (SD) T.F. Riggs High flipped his commitment from Washington to Ohio State Wednesday morning.

The 6-foot-3, 185 pounder had been committed to the Huskies since June.

Kienholz on why he chose Ohio State

“I just feel very comfortable around coach Dennis and coach Day, and they really put Ohio State Football out there in perspective for me,” Kienholz said. “Being able to come into a winning program and be surrounded by the best athletes across the country is important to me and my success for the game. Made some good friendships with some commits already too and they are well rounded people and accepting of me.”

Relationship with coaching staff

“All the coaches are really good guys and my closest connection is coach Dennis,” Kienholz said. “We talk about various things but mostly just how he is ready to coach me and get me there as a Buckeye.”

Ohio State’s track record of producing top QBs

“That’s also a huge piece of it too because I know I will come into a great program and get developed into a great QB,” Kienholz said. “Hard to pass up that opportunity.

Lincoln Kienholz Scouting Summary

“Prolific, accurate passer with a strong multi-sport background and athletic profile. Has unverified height and weight – listed at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds but looks to be shorter. One of the best high school athletes to come out of South Dakota in recent memory. A two-time state champion quarterback and all-state performer in three sports – football, basketball and baseball. Among the more productive quarterbacks in the 2023 cycle. Passed for 3,359 yards and 37 touchdowns against 6 interceptions and rushed for 1,165 yards and 12 more scores as a junior. Off to an even faster start as a senior.

Shows the ability to place the football into tight windows at multiple levels of the field. Downfield arm strength appears to be good, with throws on video that travel approximately 60 yards in the air. Can change his arm slot to fit throws in windows over the middle of the field. A loose, fluid mover in the pocket and as a runner.

A true do-it-all player who also plays defense at times for his high school.One of the top high school basketball players in South Dakota, averaging 19.9 points per game as a junior, while showcasing above-the-rim bounce. Will see a considerable spike in competition at the college level relative to his other blue-chip peers. Is typically the best athlete on the field at the high school level.”

Kienholz currently ranks as the No. 225 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting services. He also tabs in as the No.15 quarterback and the No.1 player in the state of South Dakota.