Sophomore Carnell Tate has the potential to be one of Ohio State’s best receivers.
The departures of Julian Fleming and Marvin Harrison Jr. following last season left two starting spots on the wing free.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tate as the Buckeyes open their season against Akron on August 31.
Carnell Tate joined the rotation as a freshman
Tate wasn’t the highest-ranked receiver to sign with the Buckeyes as part of the 2023 recruiting class – a distinction that went to Brandon Inniss – but he carved out the most important role for himself from the start.
According to Pro Football Focus’s count, he played 292 snaps last fall, the most among Ohio State’s reserve receivers.
Tate played in all 13 games and finished with 18 catches for 264 yards and a touchdown. He reached the end zone in a win over Western Kentucky when he caught a 28-yard pass from backup quarterback Devin Brown.
Carnell Tate has a big goal for 2024
When Tate reflected on his personal goals for the upcoming season during preseason training camp, he said he wanted to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.
“Absolutely,” he said.
Sophomore seasons have been successful for the Buckeyes’ receivers in recent seasons: Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in their sophomore year at Ohio State.
Carnell Tate played 7-on-7 soccer with Brandon Inniss, Jeremiah Smith
Tate grew up in Chicago but moved to Bradenton, Florida for his final two years of high school to play for the IMG Academy.
The move allowed him to join a 7-on-7 team called the South Florida Express, which included Inniss and Jeremiah Smith, a prolific junior who would join them a year later at Ohio State.
Through their shared playing experience, they were able to encourage each other during training even outside of the season.
“We know what we can do with each other and what we can expect from each other,” Tate said earlier this year. “We know where we can improve. We’re closer than other guys coming in.”
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State University football for The Columbus Dispatch. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or email him at [email protected].
For more Ohio State football news, check out our podcasts.
