After Ohio State’s thrilling victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship, the Buckeyes are facing a new challenge: keeping their championship roster intact. While NFL draft departures are expected, the risk of losing key players to the NCAA Transfer Portal has been heightened. In the days following the title game, a five-day window opened for transfers, and some players, including wide receiver Carnell Tate, have reportedly been pursued by rival programs.
Jeremy Birmingham of Rivals and “THE Podcast” shed light on this situation, revealing that schools like Oregon and Texas have shown interest in Tate. While Birmingham refrained from naming specifics, he acknowledged the growing trend of tampering in the current transfer portal climate. He highlighted how lucrative offers from these schools could sway players, with financial incentives increasingly becoming the primary factor in decisions.
Tate, a former five-star recruit, had an impressive season with 52 receptions, 733 yards, and four touchdowns despite being third in the pecking order behind Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. The allure of additional playing time and a larger role elsewhere could be part of the pitch used by interested programs.
However, despite the reported offers, On3 confirmed that Tate has decided to remain at Ohio State for the 2025 season. His return is a massive boost for the Buckeyes, who are already losing key players to the NFL draft and transfer portal. Tate’s decision ensures that Ohio State will maintain a strong presence at the wide receiver position as they look to defend their national title.
