Tight end Max Klare might have only spent a single season with Ohio State, but he's embraced the Buckeye spirit wholeheartedly. Now, he's in Indianapolis at the 2026 NFL Combine, eager to boost his draft prospects.
Klare's time in Columbus has left a lasting impression, particularly with his fondness for a certain rivalry game. When asked about his favorite Ohio State memory, Klare didn't hesitate: beating Michigan.
"Beating Michigan," Klare said, grinning ear to ear. "That was awesome. It's a big deal for us and it was fun to be a part of that."
Can you blame him? Ohio State had been on a four-game skid against their arch-rivals, with Michigan fans never missing a chance to remind them-even after Ohio State's national championship win in 2024.
But this time, Ohio State turned the tables with a commanding 27-9 victory, reasserting their dominance and ensuring Michigan would miss out on the College Football Playoff. The win snapped the losing streak and reaffirmed Ohio State's status as one of the nation's elite teams.
Klare contributed three catches for 20 yards in that game. Over the season, the 6-foot-5, 243-pound tight end recorded 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns. After starting his college career at Purdue, his stint with Ohio State has undoubtedly prepared him for the NFL.
While Klare isn't projected as a first-round pick, he's determined to show teams that passing on him would be a mistake. With Ohio State fans backing him, Klare's journey to the pros is one to watch-though Michigan fans might not be as supportive.