Eric Boggs
Ohio State prioritized four-star Oklahoma prospect Nate Roberts as their top pick for tight end in the 2025 class. On Saturday, while most of us were enjoying a little pregame tailagate for the Spring Game, the Buckeyes secured Roberts’ verbal commitment, marking a victory in their recruitment efforts.
Coach Keenan Bailey extended an offer to Roberts on May 16, 2023. Although Roberts initially committed to Notre Dame later that summer, he eventually withdrew his commitment in August. Over the following months, Ohio State fiercely competed with Oklahoma and Oregon for Roberts’ commitment. In the end, Ohio State succeeded due to Coach Ryan Day’s offensive vision.
Roberts visited Ohio State multiple times during his recruitment, including two visits in recent months. He also attended a game in Columbus last fall, where he bonded with quarterback commit Tavien St. Clair before the Buckeyes’ win over Western Kentucky in September.
With Roberts onboard, Ohio State has secured 13 commitments for the 2025 cycle, including their first tight end commitment, bumping them ahead of Notre Dame as the top class in the country. They are satisfied with one tight end for this class, having landed Roberts. However, they remain open to pursuing other high-priority targets, such as Indiana four-star prospect Brock Schott. Securing Schott might prove challenging as Miami currently leads in his recruitment.
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Roberts is ranked 118th overall and the fifth-best tight end in the 2025 class.
During his time at Washington High School in Oklahoma, Roberts showcased his talent, catching 38 passes for 816 yards with eight touchdowns last season. As a sophomore, he caught 33 passes for 705 yards with 11 touchdowns. His team went undefeated and won a state championship in both his junior and sophomore years.
Roberts envisions himself as a versatile tight end with strong skills in both catching and blocking. He aims to excel in both areas and believes Ohio State’s utilization of tight ends in various positions aligns with his capabilities.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 235 pounds, Roberts possesses a promising physique. However, given the developmental nature of his position in college football, it may take him a season or two before becoming a regular player. Nevertheless, like past players Cade Stover and Jeremy Ruckert, Roberts has the potential to become a significant asset for Ohio State’s offense.
