In an era when college athletes are often defined by statistics and NIL deals, two young quarterbacks from the Ohio State Buckeyes are proving that leadership can reach far beyond the gridiron. Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz, two of the brightest young talents in college football, have announced the launch of a mentorship initiative aimed at helping disadvantaged children with athletic potential — but as both players emphasize, this project isn’t just about teaching football.

“It’s about purpose,” Sayin said during the press conference held inside Ohio Stadium. “We’re here to give kids hope, not just handoffs and playbooks.”

While details of the deeper mission behind the initiative are still being kept under wraps, early reports suggest the project will blend athletic training, education, and personal development into something far more transformative than a typical youth camp.

“More Than a Game”

The program, unofficially titled “Next Down”, was born out of conversations between Sayin and Kienholz during offseason training. Both young quarterbacks had spent time volunteering in local schools and community centers, but they felt there was something missing — something that could connect directly with children who had the talent to dream big but lacked the resources to chase those dreams.

“Football saved us in a lot of ways,” Kienholz explained. “It gave us discipline, structure, and confidence. But what if a kid never gets that chance because they don’t have gear, transportation, or even someone to believe in them?”

That question became the seed for the Next Down initiative — a mentorship network that pairs Ohio State athletes with underprivileged youth across Columbus and surrounding communities. The focus: not just building athletic ability, but nurturing life skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.

A Shared Vision of Change

Julian Sayin, known for his leadership both on and off the field, has long spoken about using his platform for good. After donating his NIL earnings last year to help fund housing projects for homeless families, his next move is equally heart-driven.

“Sports are powerful,” Sayin said. “But when we talk to these kids, we’re not talking about touchdowns — we’re talking about believing in themselves. Because if no one’s ever told them they can win at life, then who will?”

Lincoln Kienholz, meanwhile, brings his own unique background to the effort. Growing up in South Dakota, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of small-town kids who had dreams bigger than their circumstances. “I know what it’s like to be that kid — the one who wants to make it but doesn’t know how. That’s why this matters to me.”

Together, the two quarterbacks form an unlikely yet powerful duo: Sayin, the calm tactician with a big heart, and Kienholz, the fiery competitor with a personal mission to give back.

Beyond the Field: A Hidden Purpose

While most fans assume the program is purely philanthropic, sources close to the initiative suggest there’s a deeper meaning behind it — one that neither Sayin nor Kienholz has fully revealed.

“Let’s just say this isn’t a one-off project,” said a Buckeyes staff member familiar with the discussions. “They’re building something sustainable — something that could change how college athletes interact with their communities.”

Some speculate the quarterbacks are planning to expand the initiative into a nonprofit foundation that combines mentorship with scholarships, academic support, and even access to mental health counseling for youth athletes. Others believe it could serve as a model for similar programs across the NCAA, emphasizing character and compassion as much as competition.

Whatever the full plan is, the sense of anticipation is clear — this is not charity for the cameras, but a movement with long-term purpose.

How It Works

Next Down will begin as a pilot program involving around 50 middle school and high school students from low-income neighborhoods in Columbus. Each participant will be paired with an Ohio State athlete-mentor who will guide them through both athletic and personal development over the course of six months.

The curriculum includes:

• Weekly training sessions at Ohio State facilities, focusing on discipline, teamwork, and fitness.

• Life skills workshops, covering time management, goal-setting, and self-confidence.

• Community projects, encouraging the kids to give back while learning about leadership.

More than that, the initiative will connect families with local sponsors for essential needs — from sports equipment to educational resources.

“It’s not about teaching football,” Sayin reiterated. “It’s about teaching life through football.”

The Buckeye Brotherhood in Action

The Ohio State locker room has rallied behind the project, with players volunteering their time to assist. Offensive linemen, receivers, and even defensive players have signed up to serve as mentors, turning the initiative into a true team effort.

Head coach Ryan Day praised his quarterbacks for their vision. “What Julian and Lincoln are doing is what we want Buckeye football to represent,” Day said. “They’re leading with their hearts. This is how real change begins — not through words, but through action.”

Day also hinted that Ohio State’s athletic department might integrate the program into its broader community outreach strategy. “We want this to last. Not just for a season, but for generations.”

The Human Side of Heroes

In an age when college athletes are often viewed through the lens of fame and fortune, Sayin and Kienholz are redefining what it means to be a role model. Both could easily focus on their football careers, NIL deals, and professional futures — yet they’ve chosen a harder path: one of service, empathy, and purpose.

“I think people forget that these players are still kids themselves,” said community organizer Tanya Reed, whose nonprofit is partnering with the initiative. “For them to look beyond themselves and say, ‘How can we help others?’ — that’s powerful.”

Reed added that several families had already reached out, expressing gratitude before the program even launched. “For many of these kids, just knowing that someone like Julian Sayin believes in them is life-changing.”

A Ripple Effect

The announcement has already sparked interest from other universities, with several Big Ten programs reportedly reaching out to learn how they might replicate the model. Analysts are calling it “the next evolution of athlete-driven philanthropy” — a shift from individual charity efforts to organized mentorship networks.

“This could be the beginning of something much bigger,” said one sports ethics professor. “We’re watching athletes use their platforms not just for brand deals, but for cultural transformation.”

A Promise of Hope

For now, Sayin and Kienholz are keeping parts of their vision close to the vest — hinting only that a “Phase Two” of the initiative will be revealed later this year. But what’s already clear is that their mission goes far beyond winning games.

“We want to give kids the one thing no coach can teach — belief,” Sayin said quietly. “Because sometimes, that’s all it takes to change a life.”

As the crowd applauded, Kienholz placed a hand on Sayin’s shoulder and added:

“We’re not just building athletes. We’re building people.”

In a time when headlines often focus on controversy and ego, two young quarterbacks have chosen a different path — one paved with humility, vision, and heart.

Their passes might define games.

But their purpose? That just might define a generation.