Jack Tuttle and Chris Olave are Brothers Off the Field as Their Paths Cross Again

Jack Tuttle (left) and Chris Olave (right) have grown up together on and off the field Image: Kathy Tuttle

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

When the Indiana Hoosiers and Ohio State Buckeyes take the field on Saturday night in Bloomington, the lives of Jack Tuttle and Chris Olave will be intertwined once again. It is a relationship that goes back to their time at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California where Jack Tuttle was the quarterback throwing passes to a wide receiver named Chris Olave. It’s a friendship that is more like a brotherhood and still continues today.

“It's my brother right there as my family member for a long time” Tuttle said of Olave this week. “Such a great kid, you know everything he's gotten he's really worked hard for it. He really deserves it, so I love him, so proud of him, but it's Ohio State week baby, so got to fire up and beat him.”

Olave was asked about his relationship with Tuttle prior to Ohio State’s bye week and said Jack was “one of my best friends from high school.”

Olave also added that Tuttle was “one of the best leaders [he’s] seen” and hopes that Tuttle will be starting against his Buckeyes.

Olave’s hopes may come true on Saturday night as Tuttle looks to be the starting quarterback for the Hoosiers when the game kicks off at 7:30pm on Saturday night, but there was a time when Tuttle was being recruited to Ohio State by their current head coach Ryan Day. In fact, that is why Chris Olave is a Buckeye. On a recruiting trip to see Tuttle, Day noticed Olave and offered him quickly.

Image: Kathy Tuttle

The Hoosiers and Buckeyes have met twice since Tuttle arrived at IU for the 2019 season, but Saturday will be the first time Tuttle is expected to see the field against Ohio State and Jack’s mother Kathy thinks it will be all smiles from her son and Chris.

“On Saturday, I have no doubt, Jack and Chris will be smiling ear to ear when they see each other!” Kathy Tuttle exclaimed in a text to Hoosier Huddle. “They probably will have a few jabs at each other with some good laughs while wishing each other the best of luck on the field!”

Jack’s father Jay kicked for the Hoosiers in the 1980’s and echos his wife’s thoughts on the game.

“Jay and I are thrilled about seeing the two of them play on the same field again even if they are representing different teams. All you want for your “kids” is to be happy & do what the love doing.” Kathy said.

We have all either been the parent or a child who has seen this type of relationship. Two best friends, who spend enough time together to be considered brothers.

“I believe Chris and Jack would describe their relationship as brothers. The best of friends, each other’s greatest supporters & cheerleaders both on & off the field….still to this day!” Kathy explained.

They would often head to the Tuttle’s after workouts to cool off in the pool or chill out while chowing down on whatever Kathy had ready to eat for the boys. Those times, on and off the field, provided the best memories.

“My fondest memories of Chris and Jack are of them doing the craziest workouts together and then coming back to our house to swim, chill out, play video games, laugh & eat whatever I whipped up. There was always so much laughter when they were together….which was more times than not. Of course, Friday Night Lights brought a lot of fond memories of the two them on the field too! So much fun watching their air raids and watching them do what they loved together.” Kathy said.

Jack Tuttle’s college career has not been all smiles and laughter though. Tuttle had originally signed with Utah and left before playing a snap. He came to IU prior to the 2019 season and was relegated to mop up duty behind Michael Penix and Peyton Ramsey. He battled an illness that spring and had to miss most of spring ball. In 2020, Jack finally got his chance to start after Penix went down with an ACL injury. Tuttle went 1-1 as a starter, but suffered a shoulder injury in the Outback Bowl against Ole Miss. It was a long road to recovery while knowing he would likely not be the game one starter. However, Tuttle is getting his chance once again after a Penix injury and he is making the most of it. Tuttle has thrown for 356 yards and a touchdown in four appearances this year, while Olave is one of the top receivers in the sport. He has 30 catches for 494 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

“Both Jack and Chris have had to face some tough adversity in their football careers and they have definitely been there for each other during those times.” Kathy added With that being said I know their hearts will be full knowing they are both out on that field together.”

While only one of them can win the game, it will likely be the last time the two share a field together and it will be a game and postgame hug neither will forget.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Kathy Tuttle for sharing her stories and pictures of Jack and Chris growing up together.