In an unexpected and controversial move, Ohio State Buckeyes General Manager Mark Pantoni has decided to terminate Lincoln Kienholz’s four-year, $90 million contract following a heated dispute between the highly-touted quarterback and head coach Ryan Day. Kienholz, a top recruit who had joined the Buckeyes with immense expectations, found himself at the center of internal turmoil after a clash with Day regarding his role on the team.
Sources indicate that tensions between Kienholz and Day had been building for weeks. Despite being seen as a promising talent capable of leading the Buckeyes in the coming years, Kienholz struggled to adapt to Ohio State’s fast-paced offensive system. His inability to meet the expectations of both his coaches and teammates was reportedly a point of contention. The situation reached a breaking point last week during a private team meeting, where Kienholz and Day reportedly had a heated exchange over Kienholz’s preparation and commitment to the team’s system.
“Lincoln has all the tools, but he hasn’t fully embraced the work ethic and mindset we expect here at Ohio State,” a source close to the team said. “The friction between him and Coach Day became undeniable when the staff felt Kienholz wasn’t putting in the necessary effort to execute plays and adjust to the level of competition.”
Kienholz, who had been one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in his recruiting class, had committed to Ohio State with hopes of becoming the next face of the program. However, his tenure with the Buckeyes was plagued by inconsistent performance and frustration from both sides. While his raw talent was never in question, his fit within the Buckeyes’ offensive system became increasingly unclear, leading to mounting frustration.
In a statement issued late Thursday afternoon, Pantoni confirmed the termination of Kienholz’s contract, saying: “After a thorough evaluation and careful consideration, we have decided to part ways with Lincoln. While we recognize his potential, we believe this decision is in the best interest of both the player and the program moving forward.”
The decision to cut ties with Kienholz has sent shockwaves through the college football world. Many have questioned the timing and the reasoning behind the termination, considering Kienholz’s high-profile status coming into the program. Some analysts have suggested that the move was a result of Kienholz’s failure to adapt to the team’s culture, while others believe it signals deeper issues within the Buckeyes’ quarterback room.
With Kienholz now off the roster, Ohio State must quickly evaluate its options moving forward, especially as the 2025 season approaches. The Buckeyes have a solid foundation at quarterback, but this abrupt change leaves questions about how the team will handle its future at the position. The internal drama and swift decision by Pantoni have put extra pressure on Coach Day and the entire Ohio State staff to ensure stability within the program moving forward.
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