The Ohio State Buckeyes are inching closer to the 2026 college football season, and with their second fall scrimmage in the books, the tight end depth chart is starting to crystallize. 

Ohio State must replace Max Klare and Will Kacmarek, two tight ends who played significant roles in last year’s offense. 

True sophomore Nate Roberts has emerged as the top option as expected, with two names behind him looking to have all but solidified their roles.

“Second-year Nate Roberts ‘looked like what we thought he would be.’ The trio of of Roberts, Mason Williams and Bennett Christian had a good day,” Lettermen Row’s Spencer Holbrook wrote recently. “That seems to be the top three on the depth chart, which is a good mix of pass-catching and great blocking for Arthur Smith’s offense.”

Roberts got a lot of experience as a true freshman that the Buckeyes threw into the fire right away. He played in 13 games as a freshman last season, logging 265 snaps overall. Roberts finished 2025 with four receptions for 30 yards and even took two handoffs from the fullback position. He was primarily used as a blocking tight end, but his role should expand in 2026 with Smith calling the plays. Roberts projects to take on more pass-catching responsibilities, which could make him a legitimate weapon in Ohio State’s offense.

Bennett Christian and Mason Williams fill out the top 3

Christian is entering what will be his fifth season when factoring in the 2023 campaign he missed due to injury. Over the past two seasons, Christian has caught just seven passes for 77 yards, but his value lies in the dirty work. He profiles as the blocking-first tight end who can fill the physical role Kacmarek left behind.

Williams is an Ohio transfer who eclipsed 200 receiving yards in each of his last two seasons in Athens. He comes from the same program that produced Kacmerek, and he could have two years of eligibility remaining. That gives Williams the 2026 season to get his feet wet at Ohio State before potentially stepping into a more complete tight end role in 2027. Williams brings blocking ability along with his receiving chops, making him a versatile addition to the room.

Tight ends figure to be a focal point of Smith’s offense, and the Buckeyes having a clear top 3 emerge from fall camp is an encouraging sign. Graduate transfer Hunter Welcing could also carve out a role at the position in 2026, giving Ohio State some additional depth.

With Ball State in Week 1 approaching and a trip to Texas looming in Week 2, the Buckeyes need their tight end room sorted out. The early returns suggest Roberts, Williams, and Christian are ready to carry the load.