Why Mason Williams could play more than Ohio State fans expect in 2026

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Ohio State’s tight end room enters 2026 with plenty of intrigue.

The headline names are easy to identify. Nate Roberts looks poised to become the next featured receiving tight end in the offense. Transfer addition Hunter Welcing brings veteran experience and proven production. And Bennett Christian returns with valuable experience, while younger players continue developing behind them.

But one of the most important additions to the room may not be the player who leads the group in catches, it may be Mason Williams. The transfer from Ohio arrives in Columbus with a very specific skill set and an even more specific role.

While Roberts projects as the primary receiving threat, Williams appears perfectly positioned to fill the “dirty work” role that became so valuable for Ohio State throughout its championship run and this past season, best exemplified by Will Kacmarek.

If Roberts is expected to become the room’s explosive playmaker, Williams may become the player who allows the entire offense to function and stay on schedule. Because of that, his snap count could end up looking much closer to a starter’s than many fans realize.

Why Ohio State targeted Williams in the first place

When Ohio State entered the transfer portal looking for tight end help, it was not searching for another Max Klare. The Buckeyes already had receiving upside in Nate Roberts. What they needed was stability.

They needed someone capable of playing on early downs, handling defensive ends in the run game, helping in pass protection, and allowing the offense to operate from multiple personnel groupings without becoming predictable.

Mason Williams checked every box. The former Ohio Bobcat spent the last several seasons developing into one of the MAC’s more complete tight ends. Standing roughly 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, Williams possesses the frame and physicality Ohio State covets at the position.

He recorded 26 receptions for 276 yards and three touchdowns during the 2025 season. The statistics only tell part of the story.

His value was never solely tied to production through the air. Williams earned playing time because coaches trusted him. He consistently handled blocking assignments, played in critical situations, and proved capable of functioning as a true every down tight end.

That reliability matters tremendously in Ryan Day’s offense, particularly as Ohio State continues to emphasize balance and physicality.

The comparison to Will Kacmarek feels natural because the responsibilities are similar. Kacmarek was rarely the focal point of the passing game last season, but he was one of the most trusted players on the offense. His ability to block defensive ends, create movement in the run game, and stay on the field regardless of situation made him indispensable.

Williams enters Columbus with a chance to fill a remarkably similar role.

Why his snap count could rival Nate Roberts

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the tight end room is the idea that TE1 automatically means significantly more playing time, but that is not necessarily how Ohio State operates.

The Buckeyes have consistently leaned on 12 personnel throughout Ryan Day’s tenure, particularly in games where they want to establish physicality or create matchup advantages. Last season, Kacmarek and Max Klare frequently shared the field, allowing Ohio State to maintain flexibility without sacrificing either the passing or run game.

There is every reason to believe that trend will continue in 2026. Roberts projects as the more dynamic receiving option. His athleticism, ball skills, and route-running ability give him the highest offensive ceiling in the room.

Roberts also remains a relatively young player who is still developing as a complete tight end. Williams, meanwhile, arrives with years of college experience and a reputation as a dependable blocker. That distinction matters.

On first down, short-yardage situations, goal-line packages, and many run heavy looks, Williams could become nearly impossible to take off the field. His presence allows Ohio State to stay balanced without tipping whether a play is designed to attack through the air or on the ground.

Ryan Day and Arthur Smith value versatility so heavily, so Williams may end up playing far more snaps than traditional backup labels would suggest.

The ceiling of Ohio State’s tight end room may depend on him

The most interesting aspect of Williams’ addition is how much his success could impact everyone else around him.

If he becomes the reliable blocker Ohio State expects, it creates flexibility throughout the entire offense. It allows Roberts to be deployed more creatively as a receiving weapon. It helps Hunter Welcing and Bennett Christian settle into more specialized packages.

It gives offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Ryan Day confidence to continue leaning into two tight end formations that have become increasingly important in modern college football.

It also helps an offensive line replacing significant experience. Tight ends can often function as an extension of the offensive line, particularly against elite defensive fronts. Williams’ ability to chip edge rushers, help in protection, and create movement in the run game could quietly become one of the biggest factors in determining how quickly Ohio State’s offense finds consistency.

That is why evaluating his role purely through receptions or receiving yards misses the bigger picture. Ohio State is not bringing Mason Williams to Columbus to catch 50 passes, or even 15-20 in all honesty. They are bringing him in because championship offenses need players who can do the difficult, often overlooked work that allows stars around them to thrive.

Roberts may be the player who headlines the room. He may lead the group in catches, yards, and touchdowns. But if Williams successfully fills the Kacmarek blueprint, there is a very real chance he becomes one of the most valuable offensive pieces on the roster.

By season’s end, his impact could be felt far beyond the box score.

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