The Ohio State football season is over, but the off-season has just begun and the Buckeyes are putting in work in the transfer portal. The first transfer portal addition comes from the Mid-American Conference in Will Kacmarek from the Ohio Bobcats.
One of the most exciting things about Kacmarek is that he isn’t just a one-year rental, but will have two years of eligibility remaining after finishing his redshirt sophomore season in 2023. Kacmarek was originally recruited as a two-star defensive lineman from Missouri, but quickly made the transition to tight end at Ohio. With Cade Stover leaving, the addition of Kacmarek could be vital.
Name: Will Kacmarek
Former School: Ohio Bobcats
Height: 6-feet, 6-inches
Weight: 252 pounds
Position: Tight End
Strengths
Will Kacmarek was the first portal addition of the off-season. Here is a quick look at his career statistics heading into the 2024 season. Willy K has two years of eligibility remaining. #theohiopodcast pic.twitter.com/RaBN4upL8d
— The OHIO Podcast (@TheOHIOPod) January 5, 2024
Will Kacmarek will immediately be the best blocker in the tight end room and has a very large frame to put on even more weight to push defenders around. With Kacmarek enrolling in January, it isn’t unrealistic to expect him to gain another ten pounds of muscle. Not a stat monster with only 42 receptions and two touchdowns the last two seasons, Kacmarek brings a level of experience that should allow him to have a higher floor than the rest of the tight end room.
Weaknesses
Ohio TE Will Kacmarek (@WillKacmarek) is a top 15 transfer tight end out of G5. He has been a productive blocker and receiver since 2022. Kacmarek will play for Ohio State in 2024. pic.twitter.com/m5QSrLjaYP
— AthLinkd Portal (@AthLinkdPortal) January 3, 2024
Will Kacmarek was not a consistent starter for the Bobcats and was often sharing the tight end load, which is a bit of a bummer especially when considering the drop-off in talent he was facing in MAC competition compared to what he will see in the Big Ten.
Expectations
Ohio State Lands Former Ohio University Tight End Will Kacmarek From Transfer Portal | Eleven Warriors https://t.co/4THmczuCKq
— Brandon Adams (@bjadams156) January 1, 2024
I think the goal is for Jelani Thurman to develop into the star most think he can be, but blocking is a very hard trait to develop and Will Kacmarek provides a high floor in that department and can be a reliable starter and large target as a receiver.
