It's almost go time for Ohio State in the College Football Playoff. Come next week, the Buckeyes are set to take on Miami in the CFP quarterfinals, and both sides are starting to chirp a little bit. While the focus is on repeating as the national champs, some tough calls are on the way for players.
Ohio State football team to be without key starter for the CFP run
The list includes tight end Max Klare, who has been a consistent stud for Ryan Day and Brian Hartline. While speaking to the media this week, Klare revealed that he's a bit torn on what to do for next season. He's yet to make a decision on whether or not to enter the NFL Draft, or come back for one final fall in Columbus. What will he end up deciding?
Max Klare says he hasn’t decided yet whether he will stay at Ohio State for his final year of eligibility or enter the 2026 NFL draft.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) December 22, 2025
He feels he still has “a lot of room to grow,” but “there’s a lot of factors that come into play with that.”
Ohio State TE Max Klare has a big NFL Draft decision to make soon
Obviously, this is not going to be an easy decision for Klare. On one hand, plenty of people think it'd be smart for him to return in 2026 and keep developing. While Brian Hartline is out as offensive coordinator after this season, the hope is Day will be able to make a home-run hire to replace him.
That might end up making an impact on what Klare decides to do. In addition to having sure hands, the 6-5, 245-pounder from Indiana is also a fantastic blocker. While he's not known as being a major offensive threat for the passing game, he has quietly posted 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns.
Klare started his career at Purdue, but he entered the transfer portal and joined the Buckeyes last offseason. It was considered a strong get at the time and Klare has surely lived up to the hype thus far making plays for the reigning national champs.
While Klare knows he's going to have to figure things out soon, his full focus is on taking care of business in the CFP. Ohio State has a tough matchup against Mario Cristobal and the Canes coming up. Everyone will need to be at their best to post a win, including the veteran tight end.