**For the Opening Game Ohio State Against the Texas Longhorns, Should We Look Out for Max Klare?**
The college football season is upon us, and one of the most anticipated matchups of the early slate is the showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. Both programs are perennial powerhouses with championship aspirations, and this game could have major implications for the College Football Playoff race. While much of the attention will be on star quarterbacks, elite receivers, and dominant defensive players, one name that could emerge as a key factor is Ohio State tight end **Max Klare**.
### **Who Is Max Klare?**
Max Klare is a redshirt freshman tight end for the Buckeyes, standing at 6’4” and weighing around 245 pounds. A product of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Klare was a three-star recruit in the 2023 class. While he wasn’t the highest-rated tight end in his class, he has drawn praise for his reliable hands, route-running ability, and football IQ.
Klare enrolled early at Ohio State in January 2023, allowing him to participate in spring practices and get a head start on learning the offense. Though he didn’t see significant playing time in his true freshman season, he has reportedly made strides in offseason workouts and could be in line for a bigger role in 2024.
### **Why Klare Could Be a Factor Against Texas**
Ohio State’s offense is loaded with talent, particularly at wide receiver with returning stars like Emeka Egbuka and newcomer Jeremiah Smith. However, the tight end position has been an underutilized weapon in recent years, and new offensive coordinator **Chip Kelly** may look to change that. Kelly’s offenses, dating back to his time at Oregon and UCLA, have often featured tight ends as key pieces in both the passing and running games.
Texas’ defense, while strong, has some question marks at linebacker and in coverage against athletic tight ends. The Longhorns lost key defenders like Jaylan Ford to the NFL, and while they have reloaded with talent, a player like Klare could exploit mismatches in the middle of the field. If Ohio State wants to keep Texas’ defense honest—preventing them from focusing solely on stopping the run or doubling star receivers—Klare could be a sneaky weapon in play-action and short-yardage situations.
### **Klare’s Role in Ohio State’s Offense**
Klare isn’t likely to be the primary receiving threat in this game, but he doesn’t need to be. His role could be similar to what Cade Stover provided in past seasons—a reliable safety valve for quarterback **Will Howard** on third downs and in the red zone. Given that Texas will likely focus on shutting down Ohio State’s elite receivers, Klare could see opportunities in:
– **Play-action passes** – If the Buckeyes establish the run early, linebackers and safeties may bite on play fakes, leaving Klare open over the middle.
– **Red zone targets** – At 6’4”, Klare has the size to be a mismatch against smaller defensive backs in goal-line situations.
– **Blitz pickups** – Texas has an aggressive defense, and Klare’s ability to chip defensive ends before releasing into routes could be crucial in giving Howard time to throw.
### **Texas’ Defense and the Tight End Challenge**
The Longhorns’ defense under coordinator **Pete Kwiatkowski** is known for its physicality and speed, but tight ends have given them trouble in the past. Last season, opposing tight ends had some success against Texas in key moments, particularly in games where linebackers were caught in coverage mismatches.
If Ohio State can force Texas into nickel or dime packages to counter their elite receivers, Klare could find himself matched up against a linebacker or a smaller safety—a favorable situation for the Buckeyes. Additionally, if Texas sells out to stop the run, Klare could be a critical check-down option for Howard on key downs.
### **Final Verdict: Should We Look Out for Klare?**
While Max Klare isn’t yet a household name, he fits the mold of a player who could quietly have a big impact in a high-profile game. Ohio State’s offense is stacked, but if Texas keys in too much on the Buckeyes’ star receivers, Klare could emerge as a surprise contributor.
He may not rack up 100 receiving yards, but a few key catches—particularly on third downs or in the red zone—could swing momentum in Ohio State’s favor. For fans watching this marquee matchup, don’t be surprised if Max Klare makes a crucial play that helps decide the game.
**Conclusion**
The Ohio State vs. Texas showdown will feature plenty of star power, but sometimes, games are won by the unsung heroes. Max Klare has the potential to be one of those players—a reliable target who steps up when his number is called. Whether he becomes a major factor remains to be seen, but his development and role in Chip Kelly’s offense make him a name to watch in this early-season clash.
