Key playmaker recruit loves Ohio State's tradition but must see how new star Max Klare fits into Buckeyes offense

The Ohio State Buckeyes are known for producing some of the best wide receiver prospects the NFL has seen over the last decade, but they've sneakily become a small factory for tight ends as well. Three tight ends have been selected from Ohio State since the 2021 NFL Draft, and Gee Scott Jr. was signed as an undrafted player this past spring. Top prospects like 2027 tight end Brock Williams are paying attention.

Ryan Day is hoping the addition of former Purdue tight end Max Klare from the transfer portal gives him a historically good player for the program.

Only one tight end in Ohio State history has been selected in the first round, and it's been 26 years since Andy Katzenmoyer was taken by the New England Patriots. Klare should have the chance to break the team's single-season record for catches at the position with 55 if he's as involved as he was at Purdue, but that remains to be seen.

However, the stakes in 2025 with Klare go beyond this season. Williams already has a top three of Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas. He's projected to select Georgia, but this race is far from over, per Rivals. The fact that he's starting his 2025 tour schedule in Columbus in Week 1 when Texas comes to town is a good opportunity for Ohio State.

"Ohio State’s tradition speaks for itself with Williams and their desire to use the tight end more has his attention," per On3. While they give Georgia a 50% chance of landing Williams, it seems as though Ohio State has the ability to take over if it can show the top tight end prospect he'll be as involved as any secondary receiver.

"Ohio State and Texas are no slouches on the recruiting trail. The Buckeyes really impressed Williams after his visit there. He’ll keep an [eye] on transfer tight end Max Klare to see his usage."

Cade Stover had only 41 receptions for the Buckeyes in 2023 before hearing his name called 123rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. That might be the right range for Klare's production despite his talent. The Buckeyes primarily utilized their three receivers in 2024, with Scott and Inniss as the only non-running backs behind Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and Jeremiah Smith to get at least six receptions.

Klare produced 51 receptions for 685 yards and four scores in 2024. He won't have to block often, as the Buckeyes can rely on Will Kacmarek and Bennett Christian as quasi-linemen. Jelani Thurman rounds out the deepest tight end room in the nation.