Former Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek is officially putting pen to paper to begin his NFL career. The Miami Dolphins recently announced that they have signed Kacmarek, along with nine other 2026 draft picks, to his rookie contract.
Kacmarek was selected by the Dolphins in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 87 overall pick. He signed a four-year contract worth roughly $6.8 million, including a $1.4 million signing bonus. Kacmarek is the last of the Buckeyes' 11 picks from this year's draft to sign his rookie deal.
The 6-foot-6, 258-pound tight end emerged as an intriguing prospect during the pre-draft process, drawing praise for his exceptional blocking, imposing physical frame and reliable hands in the passing game.
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A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Kacmarek was a two-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports rankings, after playing at Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day. His collegiate journey was marked by steady growth and development, culminating in a successful two-year stint with the Scarlet and Gray.
Kacmarek began his college career at Ohio University, where he played three seasons. After redshirting as a true freshman in 2021, Kacmarek carved out a solid role for the Bobcats over the next two seasons, hauling in 42 passes for 507 yards and two touchdowns in 29 games.
After the 2023 season, Kacmarek entered the transfer portal in search of a bigger stage and found a new home in Columbus. He was quickly recognized by the Ohio State coaching staff as one of the best blocking tight ends in the transfer portal.
During his first season with the Buckeyes in 2024, Kacmarek battled a midseason injury but still appeared in 12 games, catching eight passes for 86 yards and helping the Scarlet and Gray win the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff national championship.
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Opting to return for a final season in 2025, Kacmarek saved his best for last. He played in all 14 games, starting 10. Serving as an extension of the offensive line in the run game and a reliable safety valve in the passing attack, Kacmarek recorded 15 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns. He concluded his five-year collegiate career with 55 appearances, 65 receptions, 761 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
At the next level, Kacmarek projects as a traditional in-line tight end capable of making an immediate impact in the trenches. Throughout the pre-draft evaluation process, including a standout performance at the 2026 Senior Bowl, NFL scouts raved about his violent finishing on down blocks, his competence as a pass protector and his massive catch radius.
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While he may not be a high-volume target right out of the gate, Kacmarek's physical blocking prowess is expected to be a major asset for a Dolphins offense that relies heavily on establishing the run. Now officially under contract, Kacmarek will look to translate his hard-nosed playing style to the NFL as he joins the Dolphins for summer workouts and prepares for his rookie season.