Max Klare is a tight end and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who played his final collegiate season at Ohio State after spending three seasons at Purdue. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Klare was a three-star recruit from St. Xavier High School who initially committed to Duke before signing with Purdue in the 2022 class. He redshirted in his first season and suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2023 before fully breaking out in 2024 with 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns as the Boilermakers' leading receiver, earning third-team All-Big Ten recognition. He entered the transfer portal following that season and landed at Ohio State, where he started 11 of 14 games in 2025 and contributed 43 catches for 448 yards and two touchdowns in a loaded Buckeye offense, adding first-team All-Big Ten honors from coaches and media. His career totals across Purdue and Ohio State stand at 116 receptions for 1,329 yards and six touchdowns in 32 games.
Measuring approximately 6 feet 4 inches and 246 pounds with notable arm length, Klare is one of the more polished route runners in the 2026 tight end class, winning through fluid hip movement, quick acceleration to top speed, and advanced footwork that consistently creates separation at the top of routes against linebackers and safeties. He has a natural feel for seam routes and intermediate crossers, operates comfortably from inline, slot, and flexed alignments, and shows reliable hands with the YAC ability to generate meaningful gains after the catch. Blocking remains the primary development area, as his thin frame and inconsistent technique create leverage concerns against power at the point of attack, though his effort and willingness showed improvement during his season at Ohio State. NFL teams project him as an early-to-mid Day 2 selection with the potential to contribute immediately as a pass-catching tight end and develop into a three-down starter.
