Two young Buckeyes making a difference beyond the field

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterbacks Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz have become more than just rising stars in college football — they’ve become symbols of hope and inspiration for children facing financial hardship.

This week, the two athletes officially launched a mentorship initiative aimed at helping underprivileged youth with athletic potential, focusing not only on improving football skills but also on nurturing resilience, discipline, and self-belief.

Their shared goal: to show that football can be more than a game — it can be a path to empowerment, opportunity, and belonging.

A mission born from empathy and experience

For Sayin and Kienholz, the program isn’t just a community outreach effort — it’s personal. Both players grew up in modest backgrounds where opportunities weren’t always guaranteed.

During an interview at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Sayin reflected:

“We both know what it’s like to dream big but not always have the means. Football gave us a platform — now it’s our turn to give that back.”

The program, called “Play for Purpose,” provides weekly mentoring sessions where children from low-income families receive not only free football training but also academic support, nutritional education, and personal development workshops.

It’s designed to help young athletes find balance — between sport and school, discipline and joy, competition and compassion.

Building character, not just talent

While skill development is part of the training, both quarterbacks emphasize that the program’s foundation lies in character and mindset.

Kienholz explained:

“You can teach a kid how to throw or tackle. But teaching them to never give up — that’s where real change happens.”

The duo believes that sports can transform lives far beyond the scoreboard. Their sessions begin with conversations about perseverance, teamwork, and handling failure. Kids are encouraged to speak openly about their challenges — from economic struggles to self-doubt — and learn from the journeys of their mentors.

Several parents have already praised the initiative for its impact on their children’s confidence and motivation. Some described it as “life-changing,” particularly for those who previously felt excluded from organized sports due to cost barriers.

The deeper purpose — an untold story

But there’s more to the story than what meets the eye.

Sources close to the program revealed that both Sayin and Kienholz are personally funding several participants’ school and training expenses — quietly, without media attention.

In fact, the two players reportedly requested that their financial contributions not be publicized initially, wanting the focus to remain on the children rather than on their generosity.

An Ohio State staff member commented anonymously:

“They didn’t do this for recognition. They wanted to make sure every kid who came through those doors could feel like they belonged — no matter what their background was.”

This deeper layer of selfless commitment underscores the authenticity of their mission. What began as a mentorship initiative has evolved into a personal crusade to remove barriers between passion and possibility.

Support from the Buckeyes community

The university has embraced the initiative wholeheartedly. Coaches, trainers, and alumni have volunteered time and resources, turning “Play for Purpose” into a campus-wide movement.

Head coach Ryan Day praised both quarterbacks, saying:

“Julian and Lincoln represent what we want Buckeyes football to stand for — leadership, humility, and service. They’re shaping the next generation, on and off the field.”

The program’s success has even caught the attention of local businesses and former NFL players, several of whom have pledged financial support for its expansion across the state of Ohio.

Plans are already in motion to bring the mentorship model to Columbus public schools, reaching hundreds more children in 2025.

Inspiring the next wave of athletes

Every Saturday, the indoor practice facility transforms into a hub of laughter, learning, and hope. Young participants — some wearing worn-out cleats, others stepping onto a real turf field for the first time — look up to their mentors with admiration and excitement.

One 12-year-old participant named Malik shared:

“Coach Lincoln told me I can be anything if I work hard and stay kind. No one ever told me that before.”

Moments like that remind both players why they started this journey.

Sayin noted, smiling:

“Seeing those kids smile after practice — that’s better than any touchdown I could throw.”

The message behind the movement

Beyond its immediate impact, the program sends a powerful message to the entire football community — that influence extends far beyond game day.

Sports, when used responsibly, can be a platform for unity, opportunity, and social change. In an era when headlines often focus on scandals or egos, Sayin and Kienholz are redefining what leadership looks like in college athletics.

Their approach reflects a growing trend among young athletes who view their success not just as a personal achievement but as a responsibility to uplift others.

What’s next for Sayin and Kienholz

Both players have hinted that this mentorship project is only the beginning. Future plans include launching scholarship programs, hosting youth football camps across the Midwest, and partnering with mental health organizations to support young athletes under stress.

They also plan to integrate a digital mentorship platform — allowing volunteers, coaches, and former athletes to connect with kids virtually, offering guidance and motivation year-round.

For now, though, the focus remains on consistency and authenticity.

“We don’t want this to be a one-time story,” Kienholz said. “We want it to be something that lasts long after we’re gone.”

Final thought — redefining victory

In a sport built on toughness, it’s rare to see vulnerability and empathy take center stage. Yet Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz have done just that — proving that leadership isn’t about fame or records, but about impact.

As the Buckeyes prepare for another intense season, their off-field commitment may end up being their greatest legacy.

Their message to every young athlete is simple yet profound: dream big, work hard, and never let circumstance define your destiny.

Because sometimes, the most meaningful victories don’t happen under stadium lights — they happen quietly, in the lives you choose to lift up.