Best-case, worst-case scenarios for Buckeyes tight ends

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has a lot to prove at tight end this upcoming season. Lettermen Row is in the final stages of Tight Ends Week, and we’re charting the best-case scenario and the worst-case scenario for the Buckeyes do-it-all skill weapons.

Let’s break it down.

Best-case scenario for Ohio State tight ends

In the best-case scenario, Gee Scott Jr. finally has a chance to be the top tight end on the Buckeyes’ roster. He has the receiving capabilities and has improved each year as a run-blocker. Scott is in a great spot, both physically and mentally, heading into the summer after a good two months of spring ball.

This isn’t the offense from last year, and Chip Kelly may ask his tight ends to do more than they were asked to do last season. Scott has a great background as a pass-catcher from his time as a top-level recruit in the 2020 class, and that could be put to good use under Kelly. Kelly helps Scott finally break out as a pass-catcher, and Scott will lead the Buckeyes tight ends in catches, receiving yards and touchdown grabs. That’s not to say Scott will match Stover’s production from each of the last two years. But he can be a good pass-catching option for Ohio State, especially if Kelly uses him the way he has used tight ends in the passing game in the past.

Will Kacmarek, meanwhile, becomes the best blocking tight end Ohio State has had in a while, and it aids the Buckeyes potent ground game. Patrick Gurd performs well in the role formerly held by Mitch Rossi in 2022, and Bennett Christian chips in a few short-yardage snaps to help move the pile as a big-bodied tight end.

Oh, and Jelani Thurman flashes elite potential this season, especially after doing so in each of the last two springs. Those signs of brilliance in the passing game will eventually translate into tantalizing catches down the seam of defenses on a regular basis come fall. Whether that’s this fall, next fall or even during a fourth season, it will happen.

Worst-case scenario

Instead of finally taking that pivotal step toward becoming an all-around tight end, Gee Scott struggles in the blocking game while maintaining his level as a pass-catcher. As Scott has issues blocking, the Buckeyes become far too predictable with their tight ends, using Scott and Jelani Thurman only on passing downs — while using Will Kacmarek and Bennett Christian during rushing situations. That gives defenses a key for when to swarm the Ohio State rushing attack, leading to a stagnant offense.

And in the passing game, Scott is decent, but Kacmarek can’t quite get to an Ohio State level and do damage they way he could at Ohio and in the MAC. Thurman doesn’t take an additional step forward, and Christian is a blocker before anything else.

The unit’s struggles keep this offense from being as good as it can be.

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