The College Football Hall of Fame doesn’t grade on a curve.
But perhaps it should make an exception for tight end Max Klare, who may merit immediate entrance considering he turned in nearly 700 receiving yards last season for one of the worst Big Ten teams in recent memory.
We kid, of course. But not about his accomplishment, that’s a genuine feat. Considering Ohio State has a treasure trove of pass-catching weapons like Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss at its disposal, combined with OSU lacking a true game-changing receiving tight end in its recent history, it’s possible Klare might be the most underrated addition and storyline of Ohio State’s offense ahead of the 2025 season.
“I think whatever they ask of me,” Klare said Thursday when asked what he envisions his role being for the Buckeyes. “Find the soft spot in the zones, get open. Just win every rep, that’s the plan.”
With the combination of 6-foot-5, 243-pound stature and his shiftiness, Klare could be a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers and safeties who attempt to cover him in the seam.
“I'm super impressed with how he's been willing to get coached and to try new techniques and to try new things,” Ohio State tight ends coach Keenan Bailey said of Klare Thursday. “And that's really why he came to Ohio State, to get uncomfortable and that's when you develop the most. So, yeah, I've been super, super impressed with his willingness to, like I just said, put himself in hard situations and develop, and yeah, he's certainly gotten better.
“He's a good receiver. He's certainly super athletic, and his skill set is unique. He's got good spatial awareness, really good hands and quickness, and yeah, he is a good receiver.”
Klare’s personality can be labeled as soft spoken, as his teammates describe him as down to earth and “chill.” But when he gets on the field, he flips the switch from reserved to intense quickly.
“Max is probably the best route runner I've ever seen for a tight end,” Bennett Christian said. “I mean, he is, like, his brakes are so sharp, and I've learned a lot from him, just having a plan, going into a route. So, he's been a great addition.”
While he’s emerged as a prolific receiving threat for the Buckeyes throughout fall camp, Klare has endeared himself to his new teammates by passing along his knowledge to fellow tight ends.
For instance, Will Kacmarek and Klare roomed together during fall camp and the two constantly exchanged intel. Considering Klare’s strengths come from the receiving aspects of the game, he’d give tips on attacking different coverages and using size to your advantage against smaller defenders. In return, Kacmarek is often seen as a devout blocker, and he revealed trade secrets of his best blocking techniques, such as hand placement and footwork after contact.
“We were roommates during fall camp, and that was a main focus for us, just kind of learn from each other,” Kacmarek said. “He's more of a receiving type of player, so he had some tips for me, and then obviously I had tips for him because for offense, we utilize both.”
Klare’s first contest in scarlet and gray will come against No. 1 Texas, a team he also considered when he entered the transfer portal. Playing the Longhorns in week one will be a “tall task” in his eyes, but one he’s approaching with confidence.
Having spent 2024 on a Purdue team that finished 1-11, Klare says he relishes the pressure that comes with playing at a powerhouse like Ohio State and helping the Buckeyes attempt to win back-to-back titles.
“Max is probably the best route runner I've ever seen for a tight end.”– Bennett Christian on Max Klare's skills as a receiver
“It's awesome. I think the pressure makes you want to show up every day and perform at the highest level,” Klare said. “So that part of it is awesome because it's just going to push you every day. It's going to push everyone to be at their absolute best. I know I've felt that, and it's been really good for me, so I enjoy it.”
