Tight End Jelani Thurman Is Ready To Do Whatever It Takes To Help Ohio State

Former four-star recruit and Ohio State tight end Jelani Thurman has yet to make a tremendous impact for the team since arriving in Columbus, but this year, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make his presence felt.

“I came here to do what they need me to do and be the best tight end I can be,” Thurman said during a media availability on Wednesday inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. “If they need me to bring water out early, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Despite his willingness to do everything, including handing out waters, the 6-6, 258-pound tight end will look to boost his production on the field. For his career, Thurman has only hauled in six catches for 60 yards and a touchdown.

The lack of production aside, tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator Keenan Bailey knows Thurman, who played in all 16 games for the team last season, has the traits to have a breakout season in year three.

“He’s a good receiver. He’s certainly super athletic, and his skillset is unique,” Bailey said. “He’s got good spatial awareness, really good hands and quickness and he’s a good receiver.”

In an extremely deep tight end room, Thurman will have his work cut out for him to get on the field. Not only does former Ohio tight end Will Kacmarek return after a solid 2024 season, but the team also brought in elite pass catcher Max Klare out of the transfer portal and four-star tight end Nate Roberts. According to Bailey, though, Thurman is headed in the right direction after a productive offseason.

“This is his third year now in the offense, he certainly understands the offense more,” Bailey said. “He’s gotten bigger and stronger in the offseason. He’s steadily increased his game, his talents are kind of matching up now with his technique, which is going to be fun to watch.”

One thing that the Fairburn, Ga. native isn’t necessarily known for is his blocking. While his imposing frame can make him a mismatch against smaller defenders who may be trying to cover him, his height can make it tricky to get proper leverage against defenders in the running game. Still, Thurman feels like he’s improving as a blocker heading into his third year with the team.

“I’ve been working on that since I’ve been here, being a bigger guy trying to get my pads down, but this year I feel like I’ve been pretty good,” Thurman said.