COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football’s Will Kacmarek told cleveland.com on Monday that he is likely returning for the 2025 season.
“I definitely think returning for another year would be the best of my interests,” the senior tight end said. “I love this team, these coaches and all the players.”
Kacmarek transferred to Ohio State in the offseason after three seasons at Ohio. He came to OSU with two years of eligibility left.
In nine games with the Buckeyes, he’s caught six passes for 65 yards.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot,” Kacmarek said. “It was a little bit of a jump coming from the MAC to this level of play, but I think I’ve definitely settled into a role here that I feel comfortable in.”
As Ohio State prepares to face Oregon in the Rose Bowl on Wednesday, Kacmarek has a chance to prove his worth.
He suffered an upper-body injury during the Buckeyes’ loss against the Ducks on Oct. 12.
“It was really tough,” Kacmarek said. “I got hurt early. Obviously, that wasn’t part of the plan. I always think if I could have made a difference in that game or if I could have helped in any way.”
He was sidelined until a Nov. 23 win against Indiana.
Kacmarek’s first post-injury catch came Dec. 21 when Ohio State beat Tennessee in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
“A lot of hours were put into (returning),” Kacmarek said. “It definitely wasn’t easy.”
His return for 2025 gives stability to a room set to lose starter Gee Scott. It also gives Jelani Thurman a decision to make.
