Ask most college football experts around the country, and they'll tell you that the backups on the Ohio State football team could start at most other programs around the country. Fans witnessed this play out at the NFL level when Ethan Onianwa was drafted in the 7th round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and actually made the final 53-man roster without ever starting for the Buckeyes.
After being buried on the depth chart for three years, quarterback Lincoln Kienholz decided it was in his best interest to trade in the Scarlet and Gray for a new uniform. Playing behind Julian Sayin wasn't going to garner the playing time needed if he wanted to prove he was NFL-worthy, so Kienholz jumped into the transfer portal and landed in Louisville.
Kienholz battled all offseason and earned the starting role for the Cardinals, who opened up their season with Ole Miss in the Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff. The Rebels would kick a game-winning field goal as time expired to win the game 41-38, but not before Kienholz did everything in his power to knock off the No. 9 team in the nation.
Down 14 with under five minutes to play, the former Buckeye found receiver Lawayne McCoy for a 54-yard touchdown pass, then tied the game with a seven-yard scamper with just 1:28 remaining. Unfortunately for Kienholz, Ole Miss drove down the field for the winning score as time expired. Nonetheless, it looks like Louisville got a steal from Columbus.
Lincoln Kienholz made a strong first impression in his Louisville debut 🔥
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) September 7, 2026
18/29, 307 PYDS, 69 RUYDS, 3 Total TD, 0 INT vs Ole Miss pic.twitter.com/Ayl42Lrynq
Kienholz finished the game with 307 passing yards, three touchdowns (two through the air and one on the ground), and no turnovers. He also led the Cardinals with 69 rushing yards.
It's always nice to see a guy who did things the right way succeed. He was a team player at Ohio State, doing everything that was asked of him. Now, after playing second fiddle to some really outstanding talent, he's seeing the fruit of his labor pay off at Louisville and Buckeye Nation couldn't be happier.
Kienholz and the Cardinals will take on FCS Villinova next Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Former Ohio State quarterback puts up big numbers in Louisville debut
