The Buckeyes added what could be three new starters with TE Max Klare, OT Phillip Daniels, and OT Ethan Onianwa.
The Ohio State Buckeyes Add Potential New Starters: TE Max Klare, OT Phillip Daniels, and OT Ethan Onianwa
The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in college football, with a program consistently ranked among the top in the country. Year after year, they recruit elite talent from across the nation, and their ability to develop players into future NFL stars has solidified their place in the elite ranks of college football. As they continue to build on their storied history, the addition of new talent remains a key part of their strategy for success.
This offseason, the Buckeyes have made significant moves to bolster their roster, with the addition of what could be three potential new starters: tight end Max Klare, offensive tackle Phillip Daniels, and offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa. Each of these players brings unique skills and physical attributes that can help take Ohio State’s offense to new heights. Whether it’s providing a new dynamic at the tight end position or solidifying the offensive line, the Buckeyes are positioning themselves for success with these key additions.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the backgrounds of these three players, how they fit into Ohio State’s program, and what they bring to the table. We’ll also explore how these potential starters could impact the team’s 2025 season, and why their arrivals are so significant for the Buckeyes.
Max Klare: The Next Big Thing at Tight End
Max Klare arrives at Ohio State as one of the most highly regarded tight end prospects in the nation. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 240 pounds, Klare’s combination of size, athleticism, and skill set makes him a dangerous weapon on the field. Coming from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Klare was a standout player in high school, garnering attention from top programs across the country. His ability to both block and create mismatches in the passing game made him a highly sought-after recruit.
During his high school career, Klare showed his versatility as a tight end. Not only was he a reliable target in the passing game, but he also displayed impressive blocking skills that could make him an immediate asset in Ohio State’s run-heavy offense. His ability to contribute in both phases of the game makes him a perfect fit for a program like Ohio State, which values balanced offensive schemes that can strike through the air or on the ground.
Klare’s physicality and ability to separate from defenders give him a unique advantage. He has the size and strength to compete with the best linebackers and safeties in college football, while also possessing the agility and athleticism to get open on deeper routes. His blend of skills can make him a key target in the passing game, potentially becoming one of the go-to weapons in Ohio State’s arsenal.
In addition to his physical attributes, Klare is a student of the game. Known for his strong work ethic and leadership qualities, he has the right mentality to succeed at the next level. As he transitions into Ohio State’s program, Klare will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best coaching staffs in the country. Under the guidance of tight ends coach Kevin Wilson, who has a proven track record of developing top-tier talent at the position, Klare has all the tools to make an immediate impact.
With the departure of several key tight ends in recent years, including Jeremy Ruckert to the NFL, Ohio State has a need for a reliable and dynamic tight end. Klare’s potential to step into a starting role and contribute both as a blocker and a pass-catcher makes him a valuable addition. His ability to provide a strong presence on the field could open up a variety of offensive schemes for the Buckeyes.
Phillip Daniels: A Strong Addition to the Offensive Line
The offensive line is always a critical component of any successful college football team, and Ohio State’s program is no exception. In recent years, the Buckeyes have been known for their dominant offensive lines, which have paved the way for high-powered offenses. This season, the addition of Phillip Daniels at offensive tackle could provide the boost the line needs to maintain its elite status.
Daniels, who comes to Ohio State from Columbus High School in Columbus, Georgia, is an imposing figure on the field. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing in at 325 pounds, Daniels possesses the size and strength necessary to dominate at the collegiate level. His physical attributes make him an ideal candidate to compete for a starting role on the offensive line.
What makes Daniels such a strong addition to the Buckeyes’ offensive line is his blend of power and agility. His size allows him to handle defensive linemen and edge rushers with ease, but his athleticism enables him to move well in space and make key blocks in the running game. This versatility gives Ohio State the flexibility to use Daniels in a variety of offensive schemes, whether they are looking to establish a strong running game or protect the quarterback in passing situations.
In high school, Daniels showed the ability to lock down defenders in both the passing and running game. His strength at the point of attack, combined with his ability to stay in front of defenders, makes him a force on the line. Additionally, Daniels is known for his discipline and football IQ, which will be crucial as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of college football.
Daniels is a perfect fit for an Ohio State offense that often looks to establish dominance at the line of scrimmage. Whether he is tasked with opening up holes for the running game or providing solid protection for the quarterback, Daniels’ presence will help solidify the offensive line. With several key players in the offensive line expected to move on in the near future, Daniels’ ability to step in and potentially start from day one gives the Buckeyes the confidence they need to continue their strong offensive production.
Ethan Onianwa: A Massive Force on the Offensive Line
Alongside Phillip Daniels, Ethan Onianwa adds another layer of depth to Ohio State’s offensive line. Onianwa, hailing from Sarasota, Florida, is a powerhouse in the trenches. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing around 340 pounds, Onianwa is an imposing figure who is difficult for any defender to move off the line. His size and strength make him an immediate candidate for a starting role on the offensive line, and he is expected to make an immediate impact on the Buckeyes’ offense.
In high school, Onianwa played for Riverview High School and was regarded as one of the best offensive line prospects in Florida. He was known for his tenacity and toughness, often dominating defenders in both the run and pass game. Onianwa’s ability to stay low and use his size to push defenders off the line made him an unstoppable force in the trenches. His raw power, combined with his improving technique, gives him the ability to develop into one of the top offensive linemen in the country.
One of the standout qualities of Onianwa’s game is his ability to finish plays. He doesn’t just block defenders—he drives them back and ensures that they are out of the play entirely. This mentality of finishing plays and giving 100% effort at all times is exactly what Ohio State coaches look for in offensive linemen. Onianwa’s physical style of play will allow him to contribute to Ohio State’s physical, smash-mouth style of offense, especially in running situations where the team looks to dominate the line of scrimmage.
In addition to his physical attributes, Onianwa is an intelligent player who is constantly working to improve. His commitment to his craft, combined with his physical skills, makes him a perfect fit for Ohio State’s rigorous football program. As he works with the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, Onianwa will likely develop into a key contributor, and his ability to start early could be a significant asset to the team.
Impact on the 2025 Season
The arrival of Max Klare, Phillip Daniels, and Ethan Onianwa could be a game-changer for the Ohio State offense in the 2025 season. Each of these players brings a unique skill set and will contribute in different ways, but all three have the potential to start immediately and make an impact. Here’s a breakdown of what these new additions could mean for the Buckeyes:
- Improved Offensive Line Play: With the addition of two new offensive tackles in Phillip Daniels and Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State’s offensive line will be more formidable than ever. These players have the size, strength, and technique to make an immediate impact, and their presence will ensure that the Buckeyes have a dominant offensive line capable of controlling the line of scrimmage. This will be essential for Ohio State’s balanced offensive attack, as they look to establish both a strong running game and a clean pocket for their quarterback.
- A Dynamic Tight End Weapon: The addition of Max Klare gives Ohio State a dynamic weapon at the tight end position. Klare’s ability to block in the run game and create mismatches in the passing game makes him a valuable asset for the offense. His versatility allows Ohio State to be more creative in their offensive schemes, giving the team more options when it comes to personnel packages and play calling. If Klare can step in and contribute right away, he could become a key target for the Buckeyes’ quarterbacks.
- Depth and Competition: These additions will also create a competitive atmosphere at several positions. With Daniels and Onianwa vying for starting roles on the offensive line, and Klare looking to carve out his spot as a starting tight end, the Buckeyes will benefit from healthy competition that drives all players to perform at their highest level. Depth at key positions will give Ohio State the flexibility to handle injuries and rotations throughout the season.
