New Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek was unranked by 247Sports coming out of high school as a recruit from Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day. He only received one offer, which came from Ohio University.
He took that offer, wanting to continue to play football and played in Athens, where he would stay for three years. With the Bobcats in 2023 he played in 13 games and had 22 catches for 243 yards and two touchdowns, catching the attention of the Buckeyes enough to be offered a spot when he went into the transfer portal.
Playing football at the highest level has been something Kacmarek has wanted to do his whole life, and while he enjoyed his time in Athens, he’s very happy to be on a bigger stage in Columbus for the 2024 season.
“It’s a dream come true,” Kacmarek said. “Ever since I’ve been young, it’s been a dream to play at the highest level. I’m here now and it’s really exciting. I’m pumped for this opportunity.”
He said Ohio State wasn’t the only team that called when he entered the portal. There were other Big Ten and SEC teams that wanted Kacmarek on their rosters, but it only took him two days in the portal to make his decision.
“I’m trying to play the best football possible,” Kacmarek said. “I’m trying to be the best player as possible. That was in the back of my head knowing that I believe I can be at this level.”
“At OU, all the fans were Ohio State fans,” Kacmarek said. “So it’s pretty cool being here now and being around that fan base.”
Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey was also a reason Kacmarek said his decision came so quickly.
“I love how he’s still my coach but he’s just another one of the guys,” Kacmarek said. “He’s super personable. We could talk about different things, nothing’s too strict or too serious. He makes it really fun and enjoyable.”
Kacmarek was also very useful for the Bobcats in the blocking game, which he said he enjoys doing, but he also likes to be involved in the passing game. Seeing the way Ohio State uses its tight ends was a big draw for him. He liked seeing how Cade Stover was so involved in the offense last season.
With Stover headed to the NFL, there’s an open starting spot and Kacmarek knows he will have to earn it at a place like Ohio State, but he’s prepared for the work that will take.
“Nothing is given free,” Kacmarek said. “I have to work for every minute of playing time. That’s my goal. That’s why I’m here, and I hope I can make that happen.”
