Elite playmaker recruit loves Ohio State and is impressed with how Buckeyes are quickly changing a narrative
The Ohio State Buckeyes are leveraging one of their biggest roster strengths to build a long-term recruiting pipeline at the tight end position. With five-star prospect Brock Williams keeping a close eye on the program and deepening his connection with position coach Keenan Bailey, this recruitment is gaining momentum.Ohio State boasts one of the most […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes are leveraging one of their biggest roster strengths to build a long-term recruiting pipeline at the tight end position. With five-star prospect Brock Williams keeping a close eye on the program and deepening his connection with position coach Keenan Bailey, this recruitment is gaining momentum.
Ohio State boasts one of the most talented tight end groups in the nation, and through the first three games of the season, nearly every player in that room has seen action. Bailey is already using that depth and versatility as a key pitch to recruits.
Among those recruits, four-star tight end Brock Williams from Libertyville, Illinois, stands out as Bailey’s top priority in the 2027 class. Ranked as the No. 1 tight end in the 2027 Rivals 300, Williams has taken notice of how Ohio State is utilizing its tight ends this season.
Brock Williams sees Ohio State’s WR-based reputation evolving
While the Buckeyes have long been recognized for producing elite wide receivers, they’ve quietly built a reputation for developing NFL-caliber tight ends as well. Since the 2021 NFL Draft, three tight ends have been selected from Ohio State, and Gee Scott Jr. joined the league as an undrafted free agent this past spring.
“I mean, everyone has their own opinion,” Williams told Lettermen Row. “I’ve always heard Ohio State is Wide Receiver U or one of those schools. But, yeah, no one really thought it could be Tight End U. Then once Hartline went to OC, they really switched things around from a tight ends perspective. And the stats they’ve put up so far with tight ends, they had five tight ends in one game. That’s always good to see.”
Williams is also paying close attention to how Bailey develops his players into complete tight ends, especially as blockers—an area he knows is crucial for success at the next level.
“So I, obviously, played receiver almost all my life, so that’s where the catching comes from and all the route running stuff,” Williams said. “But definitely seeing Kee put some guys in line, what they’re doing to big SEC, Big Ten players is really huge.”
One of the clearest examples of Bailey’s developmental impact is Max Klare, a former Purdue transfer who joined Ohio State in January. Klare has transformed from a slot-style receiver into a well-rounded tight end in just a few months, and Williams has seen that evolution firsthand.
“Yeah, it’s really cool” Williams said. “Because, early in my career, I went to a Purdue game, and that was when Max was there. He was split out most of the time. He was a big receiver. But now since he’s got to Ohio State, they’re teaching him how to block. And then that Texas game, he was really in there blocking and busting his ass. So that was really good to see.”
Beyond player development, Williams values strong communication in his recruitment process—and Bailey excels in that area too.
Not only does Bailey stay in daily contact with Williams, but he also regularly communicates with his parents and both of his brothers.
“It’s really all about communication for me. Coach Kee does a great job. He’s watched every game I’ve played so far. He’ll watch them. He put a game on with Nate Roberts last weekend. So he’s been doing that. He’s been texting my parents. He texts both my brothers. So he does a great job.
“And then, yeah, just Ohio State, they won the national championship.”
Williams has already made three visits to Columbus this year, including attending the season opener against Texas on August 30. He’s also considering a return trip for the Buckeyes’ matchup against Penn State on November 1.
