2024 Freshman Class Report: Tight End Max LeBlanc

This is the ninth installment in a series where Buckeye Huddle looks back on each member of Ohio State’s 2024 signing class and the impact they had in their first season, as well as the impact they could have during the upcoming 2025 season. Up next is tight end Max LeBlanc.

Max LeBlanc was one of five international players on Ohio State’s 2024 roster. Originally from Quebec, LeBlanc played his final two years of high school at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a junior, he caught 39 passes for 695 yards and three touchdowns. As a senior, he helped lead his team to the state championship game.

LeBlanc was a four-star recruit, ranked the No. 14 tight end in the nation per the 247Sports Composite and the No. 258 player in the class overall. He signed with Ohio State over offers from Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, Florida State, Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, and others.

2024 Season

As a true freshman last season, Max LeBlanc played in four games for the Buckeyes and redshirted. He was one of seven Ohio State tight ends who saw playing time in 2024. Like many of his freshman classmates, he got some action against Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff. He played 14 total snaps last year and did not record a reception.

So Now What For Max LeBlanc

Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey has built a deep room since he took over last year, strengthening it via the transfer portal as well. In 2024, Bailey added Ohio’s Will Kacmarek, and this year he added Purdue’s Max Klare, who was the top tight end available in the transfer portal.

Max LeBlanc (6-4 227) is one of four returning tight ends on the Ohio State roster — with three of those players having at least two years of on-field experience. And this number does not include Klare. The Buckeyes have also added a pair of talented freshman tight ends.

Tight end is a very developmental position, so LeBlanc is still in the earlier stages of that process. Bailey has shown a willingness to play as many players as are able, so the only thing holding LeBlanc back this year will be his lack of experience. He’s a very talented athlete who can be a factor in the passing game, but he might still be a year away given his youth.

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