The Ohio State Buckeyes have secured a major addition to their already formidable offense with the commitment of tight end Max Klare, the top-ranked player at his position in the NCAA transfer portal. Klare, a redshirt sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, announced his decision to join the Buckeyes after a breakout 2024 season at Purdue.
In his sophomore campaign, Klare emerged as one of the nation’s most productive tight ends, leading the Boilermakers with 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns. His impressive performance caught the attention of several high-profile programs, but ultimately, the opportunity to compete for a national championship and develop under head coach Ryan Day proved too enticing to pass up.
The Perfect Fit for Ohio State’s Offense
Klare’s decision to join the Buckeyes comes as no surprise to those familiar with Ohio State’s track record of developing elite talent. With his 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame and proven ability to create mismatches, Klare is poised to become a key component in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s dynamic scheme.
“Really, when it came down to making the decision, Coach Day’s ability to develop players and send them off to the NFL, the developmental process for me was huge,” Klare told ESPN.
A Weapon in the Passing Game
Klare’s arrival in Columbus provides quarterback Kyle McCord with yet another dangerous weapon in the passing game. The Buckeyes’ receiving corps, already among the nation’s best, will now feature a legitimate threat at the tight end position, forcing defenses to account for Klare’s size and athleticism in the middle of the field.
- Klare’s 2024 stats: 51 receptions, 685 yards, 4 TDs
- Finished 6th nationally among TEs in receiving yards
- 33 of his catches resulted in first downs
A Homecoming of Sorts
For Klare, the move to Ohio State represents a return to his roots. The Guilford, Indiana native attended Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School, just a short drive from Columbus. The proximity to home and the opportunity to compete in front of family and friends added to the appeal of joining the Buckeyes.
“I played high school football in Ohio,” Klare said. “Coming back to Ohio and playing college football there was really cool for me to be able to do that and stay close to the family.”
Elevating His Game
Klare’s decision to transfer to Ohio State was driven not only by the chance to compete for championships but also by the opportunity to refine his skills against elite competition. The prospect of facing off against star safety Caleb Downs in practice each day was particularly appealing to the ambitious tight end.
“Playing against him every day and then going out and playing on Saturday makes it a lot easier in terms of the preparation part,” Klare said. “Being able to go against the best every day is huge for your development.”
The Missing Piece for a Championship Run?
With Klare now in the fold, Ohio State’s offense looks even more imposing as the Buckeyes set their sights on a return to the College Football Playoff. The addition of the nation’s top transfer tight end, combined with the earlier commitment of West Virginia transfer running back C.J. Donaldson, has the potential to take an already potent unit to the next level.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, the excitement surrounding Klare’s arrival is palpable. With his skill set, work ethic, and hunger for success, the talented tight end could be the missing piece that propels Ohio State back to the top of the college football mountain.
