Lincoln Kienholz just told how he really feels about Ohio State on ESPN’s College GameDay before his Week 4 start
The former Ohio State quarterback had a lot to say about the Buckeyes on College GameDay
Former Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is making the most of his opportunity at Louisville, and he hasn’t forgotten where it all started.
Kienholz, who spent three years in Columbus before transferring to Louisville last winter, has been one of the early-season storylines in college football after opening 2026 with four consecutive starts for the Cardinals.
Louisville opened the year with a last-second loss against Ole Miss, but the Cardinals have picked up two wins since then. They look like a team that could be in the College Football Playoff when the regular season is all said and done.
Lincoln Kienholz opens up about his time at Ohio State
Ahead of Louisville’s game against Wake Forest, Kienholz appeared on ESPN’s College GameDay and opened up about his time in Columbus and how he feels about the Buckeyes.
“I mean it was a blessing. Those three years there, I learned so much from Coach Day and you know his offense, and you know just getting to practice against the best guys in the nation every day,” Kienholz said. “You know, I think it was a blessing. It put me in this position.”
Those are strong words from a player who still clearly holds Ohio State in high regard. Kienholz still has plenty of friends among Ohio State’s current players, and he maintained a great relationship with the coaching staff during his time with the program.
Kienholz putting up impressive numbers for Louisville, credits the Buckeyes
So far this season, Kienholz is completing 66 percent of his passes for 816 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions through three starts. Louisville has a true dual-threat quarterback in Kienholz, who has added 153 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground as well.
Kienholz didn’t hide the fact that he believes Ohio State prepared him well for what he’s doing now at Louisville.
“I feel like I got a lot of leadership practice at Ohio State where you know the quarterbacks are the leaders. You know, Coach Mick does a great job of putting those guys in this position to be leaders and you know take over the team.”
Kienholz decision to transfer to Louisville already looks like a major win for his football career. He’s playing well under Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm, who has done a good job with quarterbacks at Louisville throughout his tenure.
Kienholz’s comments on College GameDay will be well received by Buckeye Nation, as the former Ohio State signal-caller continues to credit Ryan Day’s program for putting him in this position.
Time will tell how far Kienholz and Louisville can go this season, but the early returns suggest the Cardinals have found their guy under center.
