Lincoln Kienholz, a third-year quarterback for Ohio State, is vying for the team’s starting position for the first time.

Lincoln Kienholz, a Third-Year Quarterback for Ohio State, is Vying for the Team’s Starting Position for the First Time

Introduction

The road to becoming the starting quarterback for Ohio State University is no easy feat. For many players, it requires years of development, consistent performance, and the ability to handle immense pressure. Ohio State, a powerhouse in college football, has produced a long line of elite quarterbacks who have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. From Justin Fields to Dwayne Haskins, the Buckeyes have been known for their strong quarterback play, which is why the competition for the starting position is always intense.

This year, Lincoln Kienholz, a third-year quarterback, is making waves in Columbus as he vies for the starting role for the first time in his Ohio State career. With the departure of C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes’ previous star quarterback who was selected as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the team is looking for its next leader under center. Kienholz, who has patiently waited for his opportunity to step up, is ready to seize the moment. The battle for the starting job is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming season, as the Buckeyes look for someone who can continue their tradition of excellence at the quarterback position.

This article delves into the journey of Lincoln Kienholz, his development as a quarterback, the competition for the starting role at Ohio State, and what the future may hold for the young signal-caller.

Lincoln Kienholz’s Background: A Rising Star

Lincoln Kienholz hails from Pierre, South Dakota, a relatively small town with a population of just over 14,000. Despite the town’s size, Kienholz’s talent as a football player was undeniable from an early age. He played high school football for Pierre High School and quickly became one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the state. His athleticism, strong arm, and ability to read defenses made him a standout at the high school level, and by the time he graduated, he was being recruited by several top college programs.

However, Kienholz ultimately chose to commit to Ohio State, a decision that shocked some due to his relatively low-profile recruitment compared to other top quarterbacks. The Buckeyes, known for their ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks, saw something in Kienholz that they believed could be the future of the program.

Kienholz’s first two years at Ohio State were spent learning under some of the best quarterbacks in the country. C.J. Stroud, the former Buckeye quarterback, had a standout career, earning Heisman Trophy finalist honors and becoming one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in the NFL Draft. Stroud’s success set a high bar for whoever would eventually take over the starting role at Ohio State, and Kienholz knew that he would need to be patient, put in the work, and develop his skills before getting a shot at the job.

During his first two seasons in Columbus, Kienholz focused on improving his mechanics, his football IQ, and his overall understanding of the Ohio State offense. His development during this time was crucial, as it gave him the foundation to challenge for the starting role in 2024.

The Quarterback Competition at Ohio State

With the departure of C.J. Stroud to the NFL, Ohio State finds itself in a unique position. The team has a rich history of success at the quarterback position, and the Buckeyes will not accept anything less than excellence from their next starter. Kienholz’s biggest challenge is not just winning the starting job but doing so in a competition that includes several other talented quarterbacks on the roster.

Kyle McCord, a former top recruit and four-star quarterback from Philadelphia, is one of the other primary competitors for the starting role. McCord has been with the Buckeyes for a few years and has seen limited playing time behind Stroud, but he’s had a solid development period and has the tools to step in as the team’s next leader. McCord’s experience in the program and his high pedigree make him a formidable contender for the starting position.

In addition to McCord, Devin Brown, a highly touted freshman, is another key player in the competition. Brown, a five-star recruit from Moorpark, California, has been generating buzz for his impressive arm strength and athleticism. Though he is younger than Kienholz and McCord, his raw talent makes him an exciting prospect for the future of Ohio State’s offense.

For Kienholz, the competition is fierce, but he’s no stranger to adversity. Throughout his career, he’s had to prove himself at every level, and he’s used the competition as motivation to improve and show that he deserves the starting role. Despite the presence of two talented quarterbacks in McCord and Brown, Kienholz has displayed the kind of leadership and maturity needed to take control of the position.

Kienholz’s Strengths as a Quarterback

What sets Lincoln Kienholz apart from the other quarterbacks in the competition? His development over the past two years at Ohio State has given him a unique skill set that could make him the best option for the Buckeyes in 2024.

1. Strong Arm and Accuracy

One of Kienholz’s most impressive traits is his arm strength. He has the ability to make all the throws that are required at the college level, whether it’s a deep pass down the field or a short, quick throw to the flat. His deep-ball accuracy is one of his strengths, and he has the ability to stretch the defense vertically. Additionally, Kienholz has worked hard on his intermediate and short throws, which is crucial for the rhythm of the Ohio State offense, which often relies on timing and precision.

2. Athleticism and Mobility

In today’s college football landscape, the ability to extend plays with your legs is a significant asset, and Kienholz has shown that he has the athleticism to make plays outside of the pocket. His mobility allows him to avoid pressure and keep plays alive, making him a dual-threat quarterback. While Ohio State is known for its up-tempo passing attack, Kienholz’s mobility gives the offense an added dimension, as he can use his legs to pick up first downs and make defenders miss.

3. Football IQ and Leadership

Kienholz’s ability to read defenses and process information quickly is one of his standout qualities. Over the course of his first two years, he has learned how to diagnose defenses, adjust his pre-snap reads, and make quick decisions in the pocket. This football IQ is one of the primary reasons Ohio State feels confident in his ability to take over the starting role.

Additionally, Kienholz has demonstrated strong leadership qualities, even as a younger player. His maturity and ability to command respect from his teammates have made him a natural leader in the locker room, which is critical for a quarterback at a program like Ohio State. His work ethic and commitment to improvement have not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates.

4. Composure Under Pressure

One of the most important attributes for a quarterback is the ability to stay calm under pressure, and Kienholz has shown time and time again that he can handle adversity. Whether in practice or in scrimmages, Kienholz has remained composed in high-stress situations, never seeming rattled by the situation at hand. His ability to stay level-headed and focused has made him a trusted player by the Ohio State coaching staff.

The Key to Winning the Starting Role

While Kienholz’s skill set is impressive, winning the starting quarterback job at Ohio State is about more than just physical talent. The key to Kienholz’s success will be his ability to prove that he can consistently perform at a high level and separate himself from the other quarterbacks in the competition. Here are some areas where Kienholz will need to shine in order to win the starting role:

1. Consistency in Practice

One of the most critical aspects of winning a quarterback competition is consistency. Kienholz must prove that he can perform at a high level day in and day out, both in practice and in scrimmages. Coaches want to see their quarterback show up consistently, make good decisions, and execute the offense without making costly mistakes. The ability to put together back-to-back solid performances is crucial.

2. Commanding the Offense

As the leader of the offense, Kienholz must demonstrate that he can command the huddle, direct traffic at the line of scrimmage, and make adjustments when necessary. Ohio State’s offensive system is complex, and the quarterback must be able to run it effectively. Kienholz will need to show that he can manage the tempo of the offense and adjust to different defensive looks. His communication skills and ability to keep the offense in rhythm will be key to winning the job.

3. Making Quick Decisions

In today’s fast-paced college football offenses, the quarterback must be able to make quick, decisive decisions. Whether it’s reading a blitz or deciding whether to throw or run, Kienholz must show that he can make these decisions efficiently. This includes knowing when to take risks and when to play it safe. His decision-making process will be crucial in proving that he is ready to take over as the leader of the offense.

4. Improving Chemistry with Receivers

Ohio State has one of the most talented wide receiver groups in the country, and the quarterback must develop strong chemistry with his receivers in order to succeed. Kienholz will need to build trust with his playmakers, learning to time throws and understanding their strengths. Developing this chemistry will be critical in ensuring that the offense runs smoothly.