The rare tight end capable of doing everything
Roberts arrived in Columbus as one of the nation’s premier tight end recruits. The Oklahoma native finished his high school career with 42 receptions for 848 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior, averaging more than 20 yards per catch while showcasing the athleticism that made him one of the top tight ends in the 2025 recruiting class. At 6-foot-5 and roughly 240 pounds, he possessed the frame of a traditional inline tight end, but his movement skills immediately separated him from many players at the position.
Ohio State saw more than a receiving threat. They saw versatility. Even as a true freshman, Roberts appeared in all 13 games and was trusted with responsibilities that extended well beyond running routes. He finished the season with four receptions for 30 yards, but those numbers barely scratched the surface of his role. The Buckeyes lined him up in line, used him as an H-back, motioned him across formations, asked him to split-zone block, and even handed him the football twice. For a freshman tight end, earning that level of trust is highly uncommon.
That early usage matters because tight end remains one of the most difficult positions to play in Ryan Day’s offense. Blocking assignments change every week. Route responsibilities change every series. Protection calls require communication with the offensive line. Freshmen rarely handle all of those responsibilities unless coaches believe they are capable of becoming complete players, and Ohio State clearly believed Roberts could. Now comes the next step.
