Offseason workouts with Jeremiah Smith and improvements as a blocker have transformed Max Klare into a “dog” at tight end for Ohio State

When tight end Max Klare arrived from Purdue this offseason and needed to acclimate to the heights of the Ohio State football program, the strength and conditioning coach found a quick and effective solution: pair him with the only player to be named an Iron Buckeye three times in the first two years of his career. And he also happens to be the biggest star on the team.

Jeremiah Smith became the sports car driver that Marotti strapped to Klare’s hip during winter and summer workouts.

“When he got here, training with him in the offseason, he didn’t really have that in him, I should say,” Smith said Wednesday. “But now it is. Coach Mick put me with him, so I had to take care of him. But Max definitely took that step on and off the field. And I’m very proud of him, the things he’s doing in this offense this year.”

The transition from Boilermaker to Buckeye and the change in expectations that accompanied it was a long process for Klare, but fresh off his most productive game in scarlet and gray, he found his groove and began attacking the season full throttle.

“I think I’ve improved a lot,” Klare said. “Coach Key (Bailey), Coach Hinton, Coach Wendy (Laurent), working on my blocking every day, working on my route. Just being able to learn from guys like Will (Kacmarek) and Bennett (Christian). That’s been a big help to me, and I just want to continue to build on that, for sure.”

It’s clear from Klare’s comments this offseason and Smith’s comments recently that moving from West Lafayette to Columbus took some work. Klare was a star at Purdue, far leading the Boilermakers in receptions (51), receiving yards (685) and receiving touchdowns (four). But a physical advantage had to be added.

“I don’t want to say he wasn’t a dog, but…(laughs),” Smith said. “Trainer Mick put him with me, which means he trusts me to look after him and turn him into a dog, so that’s what’s happening.”

This went hand in hand with one of Klare’s major on-field goals for the 2025 season, which was improving as a blocker. Bailey gained a reputation for building a tough room that prioritizes blocking during his three seasons as tight ends coach at Ohio State, and Klare showed clear growth in that area through five games.

Watch Klare execute a clinical block on Washington linebacker Jacob Manu to bounce running back CJ Donaldson for a 10-yard gain. It’s #86, at the top of the screen.

“I just think about hand placement, running the ball, punch speed, stuff like that,” Klare said of how he has improved as a run blocker.

Improving as a blocker has also allowed Klare to stay on the field more. His three highest snap counts of the season came in Ohio State’s final three games. He led the tight ends room in snaps for the first time against Minnesota on Saturday. With that, his receiving production soared, with five catches for 63 yards against the Golden Gophers both season highs.

Klare’s biggest catch against PJ Fleck’s boat rowers was a 29-yard grab that quarterback Julian Sayin put on a rope despite being hit while throwing. Klare made a good adjustment to the ball in flight to protect a Minnesota defensive back.

“Max is getting better and better,” Ryan Day said. “I think there’s been a little bit of an adjustment based on how he’s been training in the preseason. And I think you’re really seeing him start to really take off now. We see that happen a lot when we have newcomers in the program. But his attitude has been great and you see the talent coming through now. And he’s building some chemistry with Julian and the offensive line, the tight end room in general. It’s so good to have him see him play, because he certainly has the ability. ”

That throw is just ridiculous, to stand in the pocket and make that throw…it’s beyond impressive.

This is Julian Sayin’s FIFTH college start, he’s playing at a Heisman level.

He also showed tonight that his deep ball is one of the best in America and he’s only getting better. pic.twitter.com/Dz0oGwLLKu

–Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) October 5, 2025

A direct sign of where Klare has become more comfortable as a receiver in the offense came during a fantastic sideline catch against Washington. He dropped a similar throw on a 4th-and-1 in Week 1 against Texas, his very first target as a Buckeye. He now has 11 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown on the year.

“It just builds confidence,” Klare said. “You have to make your play. And obviously, giving up that one early was tough, but being able to come back and make that play is huge.”

Julian Sayin with a STRIKE to Max Klare! @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/PJLHZ9if3d

– CBS Sports College Football (@CBSSportsCFB) September 27, 2025

Having wide receivers of the caliber of Smith and Carnell Tate around him was also a boost, distracting defenders and giving him elite examples to model his game after.

“It’s awesome,” Klare said. “I mean, having guys like that around you just helps, and it’s fun to go play with those guys. They’re making plays left and right, and it’s fun to see the ball go up, and it’s a touchdown, so it’s a lot of fun.”

Klare added that he feels more space when running his routes now that he’s no longer the focal point of the passing attack, like he was at Purdue. It’s not possible to double-team tight end for defenses with Smith and Tate on the sidelines.

Klare may not have had that dog in him when he arrived at Ohio State, but he was sculpted into one by the program around him. Just ask Smith now.

“Yes, of course,” Smith said.