Early Signing Period: Four-Star QB Lincoln Kienholz Signs With Ohio State

Get to know Pierre (S.D.) T.F. Riggs four-star quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who signed his national letter of intent with Ohio State on Wednesday.

Height, Weight: 6-3, 185.

247 Composite Rankings: He’s rated as the 205th overall prospect, 14th-best quarterback and the No. 1 prospect out of South Dakota.

Commitment Date: Kienholz committed to Ohio State on Dec. 14, flipping from Washington.

Other Offers: Arkansas State, Colorado State, Illinois, Kansas State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Washington, Washington State, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

How he did in high school: Kienholz has been a standout for the past four seasons in South Dakota, throwing for 9,100 yards and 104 touchdowns (to 29 interceptions) while rushing for 3,503 yards and 44 touchdowns on the ground and was named MaxPreps South Dakota High School Player of the Year this past season. He also played on defense for T.F. Riggs, racking up 62 tackles and nine interceptions during his final three seasons in high school.

Why he committed to Ohio State: Kienholz had been part of Washington’s class since June, but it took just an official visit for Ohio State’s loss to Michigan and an offer just a few days later to convince him to flip to the Buckeyes.

While Ohio State may not offer the opportunity to start off the bat like some other schools do, the Buckeyes are easily Kienholz’ most impressive offer, and he didn’t hesitate to jump at the chance to play in Columbus.

Where he fits in for 2023: This upcoming season could look very different for Kienholz depending on how Ohio State’s quarterback battle shakes out. If Kyle McCord or Devin Brown win out and the other remains with the Buckeyes, Kienholz would be third on the depth chart and likely redshirt. If the losing quarterback were to transfer, though, Kienholz would slot in as the backup – or Ohio State might look to bring in a transfer – and his development would be accelerated, perhaps even with a chance to see the field in a significant capacity in 2024.