Washington knew it was going to be an uncomfortable run up to the Early Signing Period, and its worst fear came true Wednesday.

Pierre (SD) T.F. Riggs quarterback Lincoln Kienholz announced his decommitment from UW Wednesday morning and minutes later revealed his verbal commitment to Ohio State.

Kienholz had been a verbal commit for coach Kalen DeBoer and Washington since June. With the Buckeyes losing their own 2023 quarterback commit toward the end of the regular season, their attention shifted to trying to flip the fast-rising South Dakota product.

When Kienholz committed to UW back in June, he ranked in the 700s nationally in the industry-generated 247 Composite. Since, he’s earned 4-star status and risen up to No. 207 in the Composite.

He accounted for nearly 5,000 yards of total offense and 70 touchdowns while leading the Governors to their sixth consecutive state title. Kienholz earned the MaxPreps South Dakota Player of the Year honor and ended his career with over 9,000 passing yards, 3,500 rushing yards, 148 touchdowns, and three first-team all-state selections.

Washington’s immediate future likely won’t be harmed too mich by the decommitment. Michael Penix Jr. has already announced he’ll return to Seattle for the 2023 season, meaning Kienholz would have been a backup at best.

But after not taking a quarterback in the 2022 class, going two straight cycles without one would put the room in a precarious spot. UW offered West Linn (Ore.) quarterback Sam Leavitt Tuesday night. A longtime Washington State commit, Leavitt left the Cougar class Wednesday.