Ohio State Tight End Max Klare Declares for 2026 NFL Draft
Tight end Max Klare has officially entered the NFL Draft, concluding his college career and leaving a key gap in Ohio State’s offensive unit.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Ohio State continues to see roster movement as the offseason progresses, with tight end Max Klare officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. The decision ends his collegiate career and adds another early entrant to the Buckeyes’ growing list of draft-eligible players.
Klare’s departure was first reported by ESPN insider Pete Thamel, who noted that the tight end projects as one of the NFL Draft’s top prospects at his position. Over 14 games this season, Klare recorded 43 catches for 448 yards and two touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable weapon in Ohio State’s offense.
The news was anticipated internally, as the program navigated multiple decisions among draft-eligible players, including Caleb Downs, Kayden McDonald, Arvell Reese, and Carnell Tate, all of whom have also declared. Klare now joins that group after spending one season in Columbus following a transfer from Purdue.
His time at Ohio State elevated him into a featured role immediately upon arrival. As a sought-after portal addition in 2024, Klare was expected to serve as a reliable pass-catching option for freshman quarterback Julian Sayin alongside elite receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. His production, while solid, leaves the Buckeyes needing to adjust the offense for 2026.
1. College Career and Production
Klare’s arrival at Ohio State followed a standout career at Purdue, where he led the Boilermakers in receiving and earned recognition as one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten. Across his collegiate career, he totaled 116 catches for 1,329 yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating consistency and versatility in the passing game. In Columbus, Klare played 14 games, starting several key matchups, and became an integral target in the Buckeyes’ offensive schemes. His ability to create separation, make contested catches, and provide reliable blocking made him a dual-threat option in both the passing and run games. Despite entering a crowded receiver room, Klare quickly adapted to Ohio State’s system and contributed immediately. His production complemented other offensive weapons while easing pressure on the passing game, particularly during high-stakes contests in the 2025 season. Klare’s decision to enter the draft reflects his readiness to take the next step professionally. His combination of production, experience, and size makes him a high-upside prospect who could impact an NFL roster early in his career.
2. Portal Activity and Offensive Adjustments
Ohio State’s aggressive portal activity at tight end foreshadowed Klare’s decision. The Buckeyes added Mason Williams from Ohio and Hunter Welcing from Northwestern, signaling the coaching staff’s plan to maintain depth at the position amid departures and NFL eligibility decisions. The loss of Klare, however, creates a gap in both the passing game and blocking rotation. Coaches will need to reconfigure personnel and rely on incoming transfers, younger players, and returning tight ends to fill his role in 2026. Klare’s announcement on Instagram highlighted his gratitude toward teammates and fans. “To my teammates, thank you for the brotherhood, the memories, and the work we put in together,” he wrote. “To the fans, thank you for the support and passion you showed me… With that being said, after much prayer and reflection, I am truly blessed to announce that I will be declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.” As the offseason continues, Ohio State will focus on integrating new talent at tight end while adjusting its offensive approach to account for the departure of a reliable and experienced pass-catching option. Klare’s exit underscores the program’s challenge of maintaining continuity amid a dynamic transfer and draft landscape.
3. Looking Ahead to 2026
The Buckeyes now face the task of reshaping their offense without one of their primary receiving threats. Developing new targets, emphasizing depth, and integrating portal additions will be central to maintaining offensive production in 2026. Klare’s experience and versatility provide a template for incoming tight ends, highlighting the skill set needed to contribute in high-level Big Ten matchups. His departure may open opportunities for younger players to step into featured roles, accelerating their development. As Ohio State prepares for spring practice and the 2026 season, balancing roster turnover with system continuity will be critical. How effectively the coaching staff adapts will influence the team’s offensive rhythm and passing efficiency in a competitive Big Ten slate. Ultimately, Klare’s decision marks another milestone in Ohio State’s ongoing roster evolution, leaving the program with both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities to develop emerging talent at tight end.