The Biggest Issues for the Buckeye Tight Ends?

Is tight end actually a concern for Ohio State in the supposed “Year of the Tight End”?

Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr examine the biggest questions surrounding the Buckeyes’ tight end room, beginning with the most familiar concern of all: can they consistently run block?

Nate Roberts, Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing, and Ohio transfer Mason Williams are expected to lead the group, but Ohio State still has to determine which players it can trust in critical short-yardage situations and how quickly the coaching staff can identify its best combinations.

Tony and Tom also discuss whether the room contains a legitimate receiving weapon, why Roberts could become a surprise fan favorite, and whether any of Ohio State’s current tight ends can develop into the kind of NFL prospect the Buckeyes had last season.

They also explore how uncertainty at wide receiver could lead to more two- and three-tight-end formations and whether Ohio State has enough quality depth to make that approach work.

Are the concerns justified, or will 2026 truly become the Year of the Tight End? Let us know in the comments.

0:00 — Introducing Ohio State’s tight end concerns
0:32 — Can the Buckeyes’ tight ends run block?
1:57 — Evaluating Nate Roberts, Hunter Welcing, and Mason Williams
3:14 — How quickly can Ohio State identify its best blocker?
3:45 — Is there a legitimate receiving threat in the room?
5:48 — Why Nate Roberts could become a fan favorite
7:28 — Does Ohio State have an exceptional tight end?
9:08 — Who has the best NFL potential?
10:26 — Could Ohio State use more two- and three-tight-end sets?
11:20 — Do the Buckeyes have enough depth for 13 personnel?
13:00 — Final thoughts on the Year of the Tight End

Subscribe to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast for daily Ohio State football news, analysis, predictions, and discussion.

Become a member and join the conversation at BuckeyeInsiders.com.