The Ohio State football program doesn't have a long history of using the tight end in the passing game. When you have such good wide receivers, it doesn't make much sense to limit their opportunities to catch the ball. The last time they had a real weapon at that spot was Jeremy Ruckert, although Cade Stover was solid too.
This year, the Buckeyes have changed that dynamic. They were able to land the best tight end available in the transfer portal. Max Klare comes in from Purdue and will make an immediate impact at that position. Ohio State finally has a true weapon at that spot.
The Ohio State Buckeyes will have a new starting quarterback this year. Whenever a new quarterback comes in, he likes to have a security blanket to throw to when things break down. Usually, that's a tight end. Klare gives that new quarterback the ultimate security blanket.
The Ohio State football team has a true weapon at tight end
Klare is a huge target, standing at 6'4 and 240 pounds. He is a huge target when the Buckeyes get into the red zone. He becomes perhaps the second-best threat to score touchdowns inside the 20, besides Jeremiah Smith. Smith is a threat to score from anywhere.
Last year with the Boilermakers, Klare caught 51 passes for 685 yards and four touchdowns. He probably won't catch as many passes, but he might have more touchdowns. Ohio State will be in a position to score more touchdowns than Purdue was in each of the last two years.
It's exciting that the Buckeyes have a threat down the seam, as well as someone who can block effectively in the run game. Ryan Day is going to be happy to have another weapon for Julian Sayin to throw to, if he ends up being the starter.