Ranking the Big Ten: Tight End
As the 2025 college football season quickly approaches, it is time to look at the top players at each position in the Big Ten.
We continue our annual Ranking the Big Ten series today with the tight ends. A high-profile transfer tops a talented and versatile crop at the position going into 2025.
Previous Ranking the Big Tens: QB | RB | WR
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1. Max Klare, Ohio State
Despite Purdue’s struggles, Max Klare established himself as one of the Big Ten’s top tight ends last season. His ceiling is now higher than ever after joining Ohio State’s vaunted offense in 2025. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder brings a unique blend of physicality and soft hands that makes him a mismatch in coverage.
While Ohio State’s offense has no shortage of playmakers, Klare quickly emerged as a reliable safety valve and red-zone threat. His versatility should make him a valuable piece in OSU’s scheme, and his willingness to do the dirty work in the run game makes him a complete tight end.
Klare finished second among all returning Big Ten tight ends in receiving yards last season and looks poised to take an even bigger leap this fall. The Big Ten has no shortage of talent at the position this year, but Klare’s rapid rise and fit in a loaded Ohio State offense make him an early Mackey Award frontrunner.
2. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq might not be a household name across the Big Ten just yet, but that shouldn’t last long. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound sophomore flashed serious potential as a true freshman in 2024, and with a year of development under his belt, he’s on the verge of a breakout campaign.
Sadiq checks a lot of boxes of a modern tight end – speed, size, hands, and the ability to create mismatches all over the field. What makes him especially intriguing is how Oregon could utilize him in its offense. The former four-star recruit was originally recruited more like a jumbo receiver, and his athleticism still reflects that.
In a conference known for elite tight end talent, Sadiq might be the most versatile of the bunch. If he takes the next step this fall, he won’t just be in the conversation for best tight end in the Big Ten – he’ll be in the national discussion, too.
3. Jack Velling, Michigan State
After transferring from Oregon State last offseason, Jack Velling wasted no time making his presence felt in East Lansing. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound tight end quickly became a reliable option in Michigan State’s passing game in 2024.
He led Spartan tight ends with 36 receptions for 411 yards and one touchdown, playing in all 12 games with 10 starts. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and serve as a dependable target over the middle made him a valuable asset in MSU’s offense.
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Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Velling is poised to be one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten. If he continues on this trajectory, he could find himself on the radar for postseason accolades and potentially the NFL Draft.
4. Jameson Geers, Minnesota
Through his reliability and consistency, Jameson Geers has steadily emerged as a cornerstone of Minnesota’s offense. He recorded 28 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 10.4 yards per catch in 2024.
Beyond his receiving stats, Geers’ physical presence at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds allows him to contribute significantly in the Golden Gophers’ blocking schemes. His versatility ensures that defenses must account for him on every down, whether he’s catching passes or paving the way for ball carriers.
With another year of experience and a strong rapport with the offensive unit, Geers could become a key figure in Minnesota’s quest for conference contention.
5. Jamari Johnson, Oregon
Jamari Johnson’s arrival at Oregon has generated significant buzz, and it’s easy to see why. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Louisville transfer brings a unique blend of size, athleticism, and versatility to the Ducks’ offense.
Johnson recorded 13 receptions for 158 yards and a touchdown in an injury-shortened 2024 season at Louisville. A strong debut during Oregon’s spring practices indicates he’s back to full strength this year.
Oregon’s tight ends coach, Drew Mehringer, has praised Johnson’s willingness to learn and his coachability. Mehringer also noted Johnson’s impressive hands and unexpected quickness for a player of his stature. Johnson has the potential to be a significant contributor in the Ducks’ offense, even while sharing duties with Sadiq.
