Buckle up, football fans, because Ohio State is doubling down on a strategy that’s both bold and controversial: the multi-tight end package. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some see it as a game-changer, others question its efficiency in today’s pass-heavy college football landscape. So, why is Ohio State betting big on this approach for 2026? Let’s dive in.
In the 2025 season, the Buckeyes leaned more heavily on 12 and 13 personnel packages than in any of the previous six seasons under head coach Ryan Day. For the uninitiated, that’s one running back paired with two (12 personnel) or three (13 personnel) tight ends. This shift wasn’t just a fluke—it was a deliberate strategy, and the numbers back it up. Tight end Max Klare, for instance, logged 488 snaps, second only to Will Kacmarek’s 509. Bennett Christian, the third tight end, added 255 snaps, while Nate Roberts and Jelani Thurman contributed 160 and 135 snaps, respectively. And this is the part most people miss—despite playing two fewer games in 2025 than in 2024, Ohio State still prioritized these packages, with Kacmarek seeing 509 snaps compared to just 298 in 2024 as the No. 2 tight end.
So, what’s the appeal? Multi-tight end formations create mismatches in the run game, overwhelming defenses with sheer physicality. But it’s not just about brute force. Players like Klare offer versatility in the passing game, as evidenced by his 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator Keenan Bailey has been instrumental in maximizing this strategy, leveraging Ohio State’s depth at the position to keep defenses guessing.
This offseason, the Buckeyes doubled down on this approach with strategic transfer additions. Mason Williams, a blocking tight end from Ohio, and Hunter Welcing, a seventh-year senior from Northwestern, joined the roster. Williams, in particular, stands out with a run-blocking grade of 66.7 on Pro Football Focus—better than some of Ohio’s starting offensive linemen. Welcing, while less impressive as a blocker, brings untapped receiving potential. Meanwhile, sophomore Nate Roberts, a former top-10 tight end prospect, is poised to make waves after outperforming Thurman as a freshman.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing—Ohio State hired Arthur Smith, a mastermind of 12 and 13 personnel packages, as their new offensive coordinator. Smith, who used these formations on 47.4% of plays with the Steelers in 2025, is renowned for his creativity in the run game. While analytics suggest Pittsburgh’s offense was more efficient in 11 personnel (three receivers), Smith’s expertise in these schemes is undeniable. His NFL experience, coupled with Ohio State’s talent, could elevate the Buckeyes’ ground game to new heights.
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Ohio State’s rushing attack ranked just 51st nationally in yards per carry (4.55) in 2025. Can Smith and the new tight ends turn this around? Or is the multi-tight end strategy a risky gamble in a sport increasingly dominated by the pass? What do you think? Is Ohio State onto something, or are they fighting yesterday’s battles? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
