Lincoln Kienholz, the former Ohio State backup quarterback, has officially inked a massive six-figure Name, Image and Likeness deal with Adidas, a move that cements his new starting QB spot at Louisville. This news, first dropped by On3's Pete Nikos, landed on the very same day that current Ohio State five-star freshman receiver Chris Henry Jr. signed his own deal with competitor Nike. Talk about a whirlwind day in college football, right?
From Buckeye Backup to Cardinal Starter, And Now Paid
Kienholz was always a talent. He arrived at Ohio State as a four-star prospect, packing what folks called "almost legendary athletic potential." We saw flashes of it when he was a backup, showing out even after he just missed winning that starting gig to Julian Sayin. But hey, that's college football sometimes. Sayin went on to become a bona fide Heisman contender and finalist, and when that kind of talent is ahead of you, you gotta make a tough call. Kienholz made it, hitting the transfer portal after last year's season. And now? He's grabbed the starting quarterback spot for Jeff Brohm's Louisville Cardinals. It's the kind of journey you love to see, proving that taking a different path can absolutely pay off.Louisville's New Face Is Cashing In Big Time
Now, about that deal. This isn't just a handshake; it's a six-figure NIL contract with Adidas, repped by TheFamilie_. It tells you everything you need to know about what Louisville sees in Kienholz. He isn't just a transfer QB, he's the new face of that program, and the market clearly agrees. It still feels a little wild, right? College athletes signing these kinds of lucrative sponsorship deals. But this is the game now, and honestly, you gotta feel good for Kienholz. He's getting exactly what he deserves, what the market dictates for a player stepping into such a high-profile role. For Ohio State fans, there's always going to be that soft spot, that "once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye" feeling. But for Louisville, this signing isn't just about a new QB; it's a statement. It's about investing in their future, putting their money where their starting signal-caller is. As he settles in with Brohm's team, it's going to be absolutely fascinating to watch Kienholz assert himself as a Cardinal. This isn't just a player change; it's a full-on commitment from the program and a huge vote of confidence in his ability to lead. We're all looking forward to seeing him take the field and prove that this six-figure deal was just the beginning. The college football landscape is wild, but moves like this make it even more exciting.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.