Signed: Lincoln Kienholz ends quarterback worries for Buckeyes 2023 class
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2023 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Lincoln Kienholz has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Lincoln Kienholz was a late addition to the Ohio State 2023 class.
But he was certainly a necessary one.
The four-star Pierre (S.D.) T.F. Riggs quarterback flipped from Washington to Ohio State on Dec. 14 and the Buckeyes got their quarterback once and for all.
That now has been made official since Kienholz has signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Ohio State.
What does it mean for Ohio State? Let’s take a look.
Who is Lincoln Kienholz?
Lincoln Kienholz is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound quarterback who flipped to the Buckeyes on Dec. 14. Kienholz originally was committed to Washington and had offers from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 225 overall, No. 15 QB, No. 1 South Dakota
On3 Ranking: Four-star, No. 116 overall, No. 8 QB, No. 1 South Dakota
Hometown: Pierre, South Dakota
High School: T.F. Riggs
Lincoln Kienholz was the final answer to a long, drawn-out question at the most important position in the game. Ohio State thought it could flip Baylor commit Austin Novosad in the summer. The Buckeyes had Brock Glenn committed to the class, but he flipped to Florida State.
Kienholz’s recruitment started back in September when quarterback coach Corey Dennis opened the line of communication. That paved the way for Dennis to fly out to South Dakota and watch Kienholz play during the Buckeyes bye-week in October.
Now it’s led to a scholarship and the opportunity to learn from Dennis and head coach Ryan Day.
How did Kienholz end up at Ohio State?
Relationships.
The relationship Kienholz built with Dennis that started back in September paved the way for him to switch from calling Seattle home to now Columbus.
“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 told On3 after he flipped. “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.”
Those relationships might be tested over the next three-four years, but that’s part of the growing pains.
And Lincoln Kienholz is ready to grow at Ohio State.
