BREAKING: Northwestern Transfer Tight End Hunter Welcing Signs With Ohio State

Northwestern transfer tight end Hunter Welcing has signed with Ohio State. The Illinois native will have one season of eligibility remaining. He is a former 3-star recruit in the class of 2020.

Welcing, who will be gearing up for his sixth season of college football, spent five of them with the Northwestern Wildcats. Battling injury, he only spent two of them actually playing. Welcing broke out this past season, catching 28 passes for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns. Coming off of his best season, he entered the transfer portal on January 9th before choosing the Buckeyes 3 days later. He did not receive an offer from Ohio State coming out of high school.

The Buckeyes’ depth in many areas will be tested this season, but especially at tight end. Jelani Thurman recently announced his decision to transfer to North Carolina, and Max Klare recently declared for the NFL Draft. Will Kacmarek will also enter the draft as a graduate. With Nate Roberts expected to take over as the lead tight end, Welcing will provide a nice cushion of depth in case of injury. Transfer tight end Mason Williams will also look to make an impact, along with Brody Lennon, Max Leblanc, and Bennett Christian.

The Buckeyes will search for a new offensive coordinator to replace Brian Hartline, and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey could be a candidate. Bailey had a big influence on the offensive gameplan last season and has soared through the ranks since joining the Buckeyes staff. The use of a fullback was introduced this past season, a role that true freshman tight end Nate Roberts took on. Tight end usage also increased, including many tight ends on the field at the same time. If Bailey earns the promotion, this offensive philosophy could continue, and depth will be key.