With the College Football Playoff looming, Ohio State is locked in on the task at hand: a heavyweight quarterfinal clash with Miami. But for tight end Max Klare, there’s another decision quietly building in the background-one that could shape both his future and the Buckeyes’ 2026 outlook.
Klare, a steady and underrated presence in Ohio State’s offense this season, revealed this week that he’s still weighing whether to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft or return to Columbus for his final year of eligibility. And while he hasn’t tipped his hand just yet, it’s clear this isn’t a decision he’s taking lightly.
“I still have a lot of room to grow,” Klare told reporters, acknowledging that multiple factors are in play as he considers his next step.
Let’s break that down.
Klare isn’t the flashiest name on the Buckeyes’ roster, but he’s been a rock for Ryan Day’s offense. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, he brings a physical edge in the run game and has proven to be a reliable target when called upon. His stat line-43 catches for 448 yards and two touchdowns-might not jump off the page, but it tells the story of a player who does the little things right and delivers when needed.
He’s not just a pass-catcher either. Klare’s blocking has been a major asset, especially in an offense that leans on balance and physicality.
That versatility is something NFL scouts are going to notice. But it’s also why some believe another year in college-especially with a new offensive coordinator coming in-could help him elevate his draft stock even further.
Klare’s path to Columbus is worth noting, too. He began his college career at Purdue before transferring to Ohio State last offseason.
At the time, the move was seen as a smart pickup for the Buckeyes, and it’s paid off. He’s fit right in with the reigning national champions, contributing in a way that doesn’t always make headlines but absolutely makes a difference.
Now, with the postseason here and Miami on deck, Klare’s focus is exactly where it needs to be: on helping Ohio State chase another title. The Hurricanes, led by Mario Cristobal, present a serious challenge.
This isn’t a team you can sleepwalk past. And for the Buckeyes to advance, they’ll need everyone locked in-including Klare, whose blocking and short-yardage reliability could be critical in what’s expected to be a physical, high-stakes battle.
Whatever Klare decides after the season-whether it’s heading to the NFL or running it back in Columbus-he’s already proven he can hang with the best. But first, there’s business to finish. And if recent performances are any indication, Max Klare will be ready when his number’s called.