Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz Shock Fans with Heartfelt Reveal: ‘We’re Together and Proud’In a stunning twist that no one saw coming, rising football stars Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz have sent shockwaves through the sports world with a heartfelt, joint announcement that left fans reeling — and inspired. The two quarterbacks, both praised for their athleticism, leadership, and poise under pressure, took to social media this weekend to share a deeply personal revelation: they’re not just teammates and friends — they’re a couple.“We’re together and proud,” read the caption beneath a candid photo of the pair sitting by the ocean, arms casually draped around one another. The post, which went viral within minutes, was met with an overwhelming flood of support from teammates, fans, and fellow athletes.Sayin, a standout recruit from Alabama who transferred to Ohio State earlier this year, and Kienholz, the gritty South Dakota native who has been making waves with his raw talent and work ethic, have reportedly grown close over the past year. The two were often seen supporting each other during games and training sessions, but few suspected their bond went beyond the field.In a follow-up video, the duo addressed their fans directly. “This isn’t about making a statement,” Sayin explained. “It’s about being honest. We’ve built something strong — and it felt like it was time to share that with the world.”Kienholz added with a laugh, “Also, we were getting tired of the ‘Are you guys dating?’ comments every time we posted a picture together. So yeah… surprise!”The reaction across social media was swift and largely positive. Teammates past and present chimed in with words of encouragement. “Proud of you both. Takes guts and heart,” commented former Buckeye CJ Stroud. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit tweeted, “Two brave young men doing things their way. Nothing but respect.”Not everyone took the news well, of course — because, well, this is the internet. A vocal minority criticized the reveal, citing everything from “distractions to the team” to “tradition.” But their objections were drowned out by an avalanche of support, as fans rallied behind the young quarterbacks.More than just a relationship reveal, the moment marks a significant cultural milestone in college sports. While the NFL and other pro leagues have seen a gradual increase in LGBTQ+ visibility, college football — long steeped in traditional masculinity and locker room bravado — has lagged behind. Sayin and Kienholz’s announcement shatters that mold.“It’s bigger than us,” Sayin said. “If this gives even one young athlete the courage to be themselves, then it’s worth it.”As spring training heats up and competition for the starting role intensifies, the spotlight on these two quarterbacks will only grow. But they don’t seem phased.“We’re still going to compete,” Kienholz grinned. “I just might kiss him after the game if I win.”Whether on the field or off, Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz have already proven they’ve got what it takes to lead — not Just teams, but change.
