Strength in the Stars: Ohio State’s 2025 Tight End Room Through the Lens of the Chinese Zodiac

“The Year Of The Tight End.”  Boy, if I had a nickel for every time that phrase has been uttered by Ohio State football fans in my lifetime…Needless to say, I would have a lot of nickels. 

Anyway, as I contemplated the deepest position group on this year’s Ohio State team (the tight end room), it got me to thinking about how the Chinese Zodiac lines up with some of the various qualities defined by the tight ends on Ohio State’s 2025 roster.

Ohio State returns Bennett Christian, Will Kacmarek, Max LeBlanc, and Jelani Thurman, while welcoming in Max Klare from the transfer portal plus Brody Lennon and Nate Roberts in as freshmen.

In 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes boast a tight end group that doesn’t just line up with modern football’s hybrid demands—they mirror the legendary traits of the Chinese Zodiac. From stoic workhorses to calculating tacticians, this room is a constellation of archetypes destined to shine on the gridiron.

🐯 The Tiger: Aggression and Leadership

Think of the Tiger as the fearless tone-setter—explosive off the line, ferocious in the run game, and fearless over the middle. Every tight end room needs one, and for the Buckeyes, their Tiger-type may be the seasoned veteran who leads with heart and hunts with instinct. His play style reflects bold energy and fearless execution—a player who thrives under pressure and delivers in the red zone.

🐍 The Snake: Intelligence and Precision

Slippery in space and dangerous with subtle route nuances, this archetype disguises intent like a seasoned illusionist. Ohio State’s route-running technician embodies the Snake’s cerebral gifts. He finds soft zones, manipulates leverage, and executes blocks with technical finesse. He’s the chess master while others play checkers.

🐎 The Horse: Speed and Independence

One TE in this room stretches the seam with unexpected burst—galloping into daylight with cornerbacks clinging to hope. Like the Horse, he’s fast, self-reliant, and thrives in open space. Expect him to line up wide, operate from motion, and torch mismatched linebackers on wheel routes.

🐲 The Dragon: Power and Presence

No zodiac analysis would be complete without the Dragon—the mythical hybrid of strength, swagger, and undeniable aura. This is Ohio State’s TE with Sunday potential: 6’6”, imposing wingspan, and hands soft enough to cradle a comet. Defenses scheme for him, but like the Dragon’s flame, he finds a way to burn through.

🐭 The Rat: Craft and Adaptability

Underrated but invaluable, the Rat archetype is the Swiss army knife. This TE might be third on the depth chart, but his ability to contribute on special teams, H-back packages, and motion sets is irreplaceable. Coaches love him. Defenses forget him. Until he’s wide open in the flat.

🧭 The Cosmic Alignment

This TE group doesn’t just provide versatility—they reflect a philosophical balance. The ancient Zodiac saw power in harmony, and Ohio State’s tight end room mirrors that unity: boldness, wisdom, speed, force, and cunning all working in tandem. Whether it’s 12 personnel pounding the rock or a spread look using a TE in the slot, this group gives Ryan Day, Keenan Bailey, and Brian Hartline the keys to a galactic offense.

If the stars align—and in Columbus, they often do—expect this tight end room to be not just functional, but a focal point of the 2025 Buckeyes’ title run.