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Carnell Tate tabbed as ‘under-the-radar’ prospect for 2026 NFL Draft by ESPN
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Carnell Tate arrived at Ohio State as one of the many elite wide receiver prospects to join the Buckeyes since Brian Hartline assumed his role as WRs coach. However, he knew it would take some time before he began carving out a major role.
As a true freshman in the 2023 season, Tate logged just 18 catches for 264 yards with a touchdown against Western Kentucky. Those numbers did little to diminish the outlook for Tate, largely because the Ohio State passing attack was dominated by Marvin Harrison Jr., Cade Stover and Emeka Egbuka. Harrison would capture the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver and the B1G’s Offensive Player of the Year Award.
Last season, Tate took a major step, breaking out with 52 catches for 733 yards and 4 touchdowns. Even then, those numbers were overshadowed by Egbuka and newcomer Jeremiah Smith, a pair of 1,000-yard receivers for the Buckeyes.
It’s possible Tate was the nation’s best No. 3 WR last season, as evidenced by his 7 catches for 87 yards vs. Texas when Smith was eliminated in the Cotton Bowl. Now, Tate is looking at his first season as a true No. 2 option opposite Smith with Egbuka off to the NFL.
ESPN has now included Tate as an “under-the-radar” player to watch for his NFL Draft stock to blossom this fall. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, one scout really likes Tate’s toughness and route-running as traits that will allow him to shine this fall.
“I’m all-in on Tate,” the scout said. “He’s big, but his technical ability as a route runner is impressive. He’s really good at generating separation with his size and his start-stop ability. He’s a really good WR2 in the pros.”
With defenses forced to send extra help to try and limit Smith, Tate will likely have a chance to thrive in a number of 1-on-1 situations this fall. If he wins those chances consistently, he could explode into an early-round draft pick in the spring. The Buckeyes are currently riding a streak of 4 straight drafts with a WR selected in the first round to add to the list of Ohio State all-time first-round draft picks.
Tate will also play a key role in helping Ohio State break in a new starting quarterback while chasing some of the best national title odds in the entire country. Fans can make sure to grab the best and latest odds through the Ohio betting apps available in their area.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.