Just days after the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrated their College Football Playoff National Championship win over Notre Dame, the offseason drama is heating up. Programs across the nation are reportedly targeting Ohio State star wide receiver Carnell Tate as the NCAA transfer portal opens for both Buckeyes and Fighting Irish players.
According to Jeremy Birmingham of THE Podcast and Rivals, two major programs—Texas and Oregon—are making a strong push to lure Tate away from Columbus. Birmingham revealed that these schools are offering the opportunity to be a featured receiver, a role Tate currently shares with standout Jeremiah Smith, widely regarded as the best receiver in the country.
Programs Eye Carnell Tate’s Potential
Tate, a five-star recruit from the 2023 class, had an impressive season with 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, Tate has the skill set and potential to be a No. 1 receiver, making him an attractive prospect for programs looking to bolster their offense.
For Texas, the interest is clear as they face a major turnover at wide receiver. The Longhorns are losing key players, including Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, Silas Bolden, and tight end Gunnar Helm—a group that accounted for 175 catches and 22 touchdowns this season. Adding Tate to their roster could help fill that void and maintain their offensive firepower.
Meanwhile, Oregon has emerged as another contender. With a strong football program and significant resources, the Ducks are positioning themselves as a destination for elite talent like Tate.
NIL Era Brings New Challenges
The aggressive pursuit of Tate highlights the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college football. Birmingham explained how programs are leveraging financial incentives to attract top players:
“Right now, it’s not a level playing field. You can get the same money pretty much anywhere, but schools like Texas and Oregon are using their resources to pitch players like Carnell Tate.”
Despite these offers, Ohio State is likely to prioritize retaining both Tate and Jeremiah Smith. As Birmingham noted, the Buckeyes must invest heavily in their top players to ensure their continued success.
What’s Next for Tate?
Only time will tell if Carnell Tate decides to stay at Ohio State or explore opportunities elsewhere. For now, head coach Ryan Day faces the challenge of not only recruiting new talent but also holding onto his current stars in an increasingly competitive and lucrative college football landscape.
For Buckeye fans, Tate’s future will be one of the key storylines to follow as the offseason unfolds.
