Make it three transfer portal commitments in two hours for Ohio State.
After former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson Jr. (3:05 p.m.) and former Idaho State defensive end Logan George (4:05 p.m.) pledged their services to the Buckeyes earlier this afternoon, former Purdue tight end Max Klare decided to participate in the fun, committing to Ohio State in the 5 o’clock hour.
Former Purdue tight end Max Klare has committed to Ohio State, he told ESPN. Hes ESPNs No. 1 tight end in the NCAA transfer portal. He emerged as one of the countrys most productive tight ends in 2024, as he hauled in 51 passes for 685 yards and four receiving touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/YslU2idRYY
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 23, 2024
A Cincinnati native, Klare has spent the past two years at Purdue. In 2024, he emerged as one of the Big Ten’s best tight ends, collecting an impressive 51 catches for 685 yards and four touchdowns.
The Klare File
- Year: Sophomore
- Size: 6-4/240
- Pos: TE
- Previous School: Purdue (2022-24)
- 2024 Stats: 51 receptions for 685 yards (13.4 per catch), 4 touchdowns
Klare said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day's track record of development stood out to him the recruitment process. He also said the picture offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey painted for his future as a Buckeye played a significant role in his decision.
"Really, when it came down to making the decision, Coach Day's ability to develop players and send them off to the NFL, the developmental process for me was huge," Klare told Pete Thamel of ESPN.
He added that the chance to win a national championship was a factor, too.
"Just an opportunity to win a national championship and develop into a better player and play against the best competition, day in and day out," Klare said, "and being around a lot of like-minded individuals that are going to push me to be my best."
As a clear pass-catching threat, Klare should find an immediate role in Ohio State’s offense next season next to Will Kacmarek, who is well-regarded for his blocking capabilities. The Buckeyes will also look for continued development out of Bennett Christian, Jelani Thurman and Max Leblanc. They also added four-star prospects Nate Roberts and Brody Lennon in the 2025 class.
Klare is Ohio State's third transfer commitment on Monday and its fourth overall. The Buckeyes also landed former Minnesota offensive tackle Phillip Daniels on Wednesday.
