North Dakota State Makes Top-4 For #1 QB In South Dakota

North Dakota State has produced multiple NFL quarterbacks over the past few seasons stretching back to 1st round pick Carson Wentz in 2016. The Bison have produced three NFL draft picks at the QB spot, which include two first round picks in Carson Wentz and Trey Lance. The next star QB to find his way to Fargo, ND may be Lincoln Kienholz.

Kienholz announced his top-4 teams of Wisconsin, Washington, Wyoming, & North Dakota State late Wednesday night on Twitter. 

I want to say thank you for this opportunity and to all the colleges who have recruited me throughout this process. With that being sad, Top 4!!!🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/NWPYcjknI1

— Lincoln Kienholz (@LincolnKienholz) May 25, 2022

Kienholz is a consensus 3-star prospect out of Pierrre, SD and ranks as the 60th best QB in the class of 2023. The 6’3 185-pound prospect is the #1 QB in the state of South Dakota. Kienholz held offers from Washington State, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Kansas State, & multiple other Power-5 programs. 

Last season Kienholz passed for over 3,300 yards and 37 touchdowns, while also rushing for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. This followed up his sophomore campaign, in which he totaled over 2,100 passing yards & 20 touchdowns through the air. He was also named MVP in the 11AA South Dakota State Championship this past season. 

Kienholz has set a timetable for his recruitment according to Michael McCleary at the Sioux Falls Argus Leader:

“Hopefully (I’ll) get all my official visits in and all that kind of stuff (by the end of the summer),” Kienholz said. “And then probably decide on a commitment between beginning of football or before football season.”

The Bison QB room is extremely talented entering the 2022 season, which is led by returning starter Cam Miller who led the Bison to their 9th FCS National Championship this past season. Behind Miller sits former Nebraska Gatorade State Player of the Year Cole Payton and redshirt freshman Peter Anderson. The lone departure at QB was Quincy Patterson, who announced his commitment to Temple last week. 

Kienholz would be a huge addition for the Bison as they look to continue their dynasty under head coach Matt Entz. 247Sports currently has zero crystal ball predictions for Kienholz, which could suggest this recruitment is far from over.