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ESPN analyst names X factor for Ohio State’s 2025 title chances
By Paul Harvey
Published:
ESPN has been taking stock of the 2025 season, previewing all the top contenders as things get ready to kick off next week. Now, ESPN’s field of analysts is ready to reveal the top X factors for every major contender this fall.
That includes Ohio State, with the Buckeyes looking to defend their first national title since 2014. Ryan Day cracked the seal in style, but the pressure is inevitable in Columbus, especially with his program back among the heavy favorites in the early national title odds.
According to DraftKings, the Buckeyes have the best odds to win it all this fall, coming in at +500. Texas (+550) is the only other program under +700 ahead of the season, and those 2 squads will clash in a marquee season opener. Be sure to grab the DraftKings promo code Ohio for the best offerings.
So, who is the key X factor for the program this fall? ESPN’s Jake Trotter has named incoming tight end Max Klare, a former Purdue star, as a key to the offense.
With a brand-new quarterback and a brand-new backfield, Trotter is looking at Klare as a dynamic piece to help take some pressure off the wide receiver duo of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Here’s what he had to say:
The Buckeyes landed the top tight end in the transfer portal in Klare, who arrived in Columbus from Purdue. Klare caught 51 passes for 685 years and four touchdowns during his sophomore season, easily leading the Boilermakers in those three categories. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Klare figures to give the Buckeyes a dynamic target over the middle of the field, nicely complementing receiver Carnell Tate and All-American wideout Jeremiah Smith. Klare’s presence should also give Ohio State’s new starting quarterback — whether it’s Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz — a playmaking security blanket early in the season. With Smith set to command attention on the outside, Klare should find plenty of favorable matchups operating inside.
With all the turnover Ohio State has experienced in the offseason, the Buckeyes will need production from some new faces this fall. Klare figures to be a big part of that new production, and he could shine in the system this fall.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.