Image Source: Jack Baer
Key Takeaways
- Carnell Tate, a wide receiver from Ohio State, has declared for the NFL Draft and is likely to be a first-round pick.
- Tate is the sixth wide receiver from Ohio State to be taken in the first round since 2022.
- He has been highly productive, posting 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games for the Buckeyes in 2025.
- Tate’s exit leaves questions about the Ohio State passing attack next year, with offensive coordinator Brian Hartline leaving for South Florida.
- Top recruits Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham have entered the transfer portal, potentially impacting the team’s receiver depth.
Introduction to Carnell Tate’s Decision
Carnell Tate, a talented wide receiver from Ohio State, has announced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft. This move is likely to make him a first-round pick, joining a long list of elite wide receivers from the university. As Yahoo Sports notes, Tate is a "near-lock to become Ohio State’s sixth wide receiver taken in the first round since 2022," alongside notable players such as Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave. According to Yahoo Sports, Tate is ranked as the class’ No. 12 prospect at midseason, and their latest mock draft has the Tennessee Titans taking him fourth overall.
Tate’s Scouting Report and Abilities
A scouting report from Yahoo’s Nate Tice highlights Tate’s impressive skills, stating that he "has length and excellent hand-eye coordination which gives him a large catching radius, especially near the sideline and in the red zone." Tice also notes that Tate’s "strides eat up ground and his route-running has added real polish this season, opening up his ability to attack at all three levels." These abilities have made Tate a highly productive player, with 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games for the Buckeyes in 2025. As Tice’s report suggests, Tate’s skills make him a formidable opponent on the field, and his potential in the NFL is significant.
Tate’s Time at Ohio State and Future Prospects
Despite being overshadowed by teammate Jeremiah Smith, Tate has had a successful career at Ohio State. In 2025, he ranked sixth in the Big Ten in receiving yards and touchdowns, and was a key player on the team’s College Football Playoff championship team last year. With his declaration for the NFL Draft, Tate is likely to join a long list of successful Ohio State wide receivers in the league. As Yahoo Sports notes, Tate’s exit is "hardly a surprise," given his talent and potential. However, it does leave some questions about the future of the Ohio State passing attack, particularly with offensive coordinator Brian Hartline leaving for South Florida.
Impact on Ohio State’s Passing Attack
The loss of Tate, combined with the potential departure of top recruits Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham, who have entered the transfer portal, raises concerns about the depth of the Ohio State receiver corps. As the article notes, "Tate and Smith were the only wide receivers with more than 300 receiving yards this season," making the team’s passing attack somewhat reliant on these two players. With Tate’s exit and the potential loss of other key players, the team will need to find new ways to replace this production and maintain their competitive edge. As the team looks to the future, they will need to rely on the skills of remaining players, such as quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, to drive their passing attack.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, Carnell Tate’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft is a significant move for the talented wide receiver. With his impressive skills and productive career at Ohio State, he is likely to be a first-round pick and join a long list of successful Buckeyes in the league. However, his exit raises questions about the future of the Ohio State passing attack, particularly with the potential loss of other key players. As the team looks to the future, they will need to find new ways to replace the production of Tate and other departing players, and rely on the skills of their remaining talent to drive their offense. As Yahoo Sports notes, Tate’s potential in the NFL is significant, and he is likely to make a major impact in the league.
https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/ohio-state-wr-carnell-tate-declares-for-2026-nfl-draft-012228303.html