Bombshell:QB Lincoln Kienholz Ohio State has been Sidelined, After Unexpected Injury Announcement due to…
hio State QB Lincoln Kienholz Suffers Injury Blow, Throwing Quarterback Plans into Disarray
Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Buckeyes have been dealt a potentially disruptive blow to their 2025 campaign as sophomore quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has officially been sidelined due to injury. The announcement came early Monday morning from the university’s athletic department, sending waves of uncertainty throughout Buckeye Nation as the team navigates summer workouts and pre-season preparations.
While the full details of the injury remain under wraps, sources close to the program indicate that Kienholz suffered the setback during a recent off-season training session. Early reports suggest the injury is “moderate to serious,” involving his throwing shoulder—though this has yet to be confirmed publicly by Ohio State officials.
The timing could not be worse for the Buckeyes, who were already working through a pivotal offseason of transition and fierce quarterback competition. With Kienholz seen as a possible breakout candidate for 2025, this news throws the team’s offensive strategy into flux.
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A Rising Star Derailed?
Lincoln Kienholz, a former 4-star recruit out of Pierre, South Dakota, was one of the most talked-about young players on Ohio State’s roster heading into the upcoming season. After redshirting in 2023 and seeing limited action in 2024, the dual-threat quarterback was expected to challenge for significant playing time, if not a starting role, in 2025.
Known for his mobility, quick release, and field vision, Kienholz has been praised by coaches for his leadership and intelligence. His performance during spring ball had drawn positive reviews, with insiders noting a sharper grasp of the playbook and increased poise in the pocket.
“This kid was turning the corner,” said a source close to the program. “You could see him maturing into the kind of quarterback that can lead Ohio State in big moments. This injury is just really unfortunate timing.”
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Impact on the Buckeyes’ QB Room
Ohio State entered this summer with what appeared to be a deep and talented quarterback room. With former Kansas State standout Will Howard still in the mix, and true freshman phenom Julian “J.J.” Raynor turning heads, the Buckeyes were believed to have one of the most competitive QB rooms in the country.
Now, Kienholz’s setback narrows Ryan Day’s options and likely intensifies the pressure on Howard, the presumed starter, to stay healthy and effective. Meanwhile, Raynor—who enrolled early and showed promise in the spring game—may find himself thrust into a more critical role sooner than expected.
There’s also the wildcard of Devin Brown, the once highly-touted recruit who has battled injuries and inconsistency. With Kienholz out, Brown may receive renewed consideration for backup duties—or possibly more.
The sudden shift has left offensive coordinator Chip Kelly with limited time to recalibrate Ohio State’s offensive install, just weeks ahead of the start of fall camp.
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A Mental and Strategic Test for Ryan Day
For head coach Ryan Day, who enters 2025 already under immense scrutiny after multiple losses to Michigan and an evolving Big Ten landscape, the injury to Kienholz adds another layer of complexity.
Day has built a reputation as a quarterback guru, but the perception among fans and media is that he must deliver a championship-caliber season or face serious questions about the direction of the program. Injuries are part of football, but in a year when Ohio State must navigate games against Texas, Michigan, and a loaded Big Ten slate, losing a key piece like Kienholz is no minor obstacle.
“Ryan Day has to show he can manage adversity,” said former Buckeye and Big Ten analyst Joshua Perry. “This is where depth, coaching, and culture all come into play.”
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What’s Next for Kienholz and Ohio State
At this time, no official timeline has been given for Kienholz’s recovery. Team doctors are expected to conduct further evaluations later this week. Should the injury be less serious than feared, he may be able to return mid-season or sooner. However, if surgery or extended rehab is required, it could cost him the entire 2025 season.
Kienholz himself took to social media late Monday with a brief message:
> “Appreciate the support. God’s got a plan. I’ll be back stronger.”
Fans quickly rallied behind the quarterback, flooding his post with messages of encouragement and hope for a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, Ryan Day and the Ohio State staff are expected to release an updated depth chart before the opening of fall camp in July. The quarterback battle, already fierce, now becomes more critical than ever.
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Conclusion
Lincoln Kienholz’s injury may not completely derail Ohio State’s 2025 ambitions, but it serves as a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in college football. For a program that demands excellence and expects championships, losing a dynamic talent like Kienholz at this juncture presents both a challenge and an opportunity—for the coaching staff to adapt, and for another quarterback to rise to the occasion.
As Buckeye Nation holds its breath, all eyes now turn to fall camp in Columbus, where depth will be tested, and the road to redemption continues—without one of its most promising players at the helm, at least for now.
