Amid a roster packed with talent, including the highly touted Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate has quietly built a case for himself as a future NFL star.
Recently, an NFC East regional scout turned heads with a strong endorsement, declaring, “I’m all-in on Tate.” The statement, shared during evaluations of the upcoming draft class, underscores the growing belief that Tate could be the next big thing from a program known for producing elite wide receivers
With Ohio State’s history of sending players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Garrett Wilson to the NFL, Tate enters a high-pressure environment where competition is kind of fierce. Of course, his development and skill set suggest he’s more than capable of carving out his own path.
Rising Through the Ranks: Carnell Tate’s Journey to NFL Spotlight
Tate’s path to prominence began long before he stepped onto the Ohio State field. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Tate first made waves at Marist High School, where he caught 28 passes for 444 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman in 2019.
His talent earned him a move to IMG Academy for his junior and senior years, a proving ground for top recruits. There, he showcased his potential 777 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over eight games in his senior season, averaging an impressive 20 yards per catch.
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— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) June 13, 2025
Rated as a five-star prospect by 247Sports, Tate ranked No. 62 overall and No. 10 among wide receivers in the 2023 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite. Rivals echoed this assessment with a 6.1 grade, cementing his status as one of the nation’s elite talents.
His decision to join Ohio State in 2023 placed him in a receiver room dominated by established names; of course, Tate adapted quickly.
Over his first two college seasons, he has recorded 70 receptions for 997 yards and five touchdowns, per his Ohio State profile. While the stats reflect a supporting role behind stars like Harrison and Emeka Egbuka, it also projects a player steadily gaining experience in a competitive environment.
Tate’s physical profile adds to his appeal. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 191 pounds, he combines size with agility, a trait that has caught the eye of NFL evaluators. His sophomore status means he’s still refining his game, but the foundation is there.
With Egbuka now in the NFL, Tate is projected to step into a larger role in 2025, a shift that could define his trajectory. The question now is whether he can capitalize on increased targets and prove he’s more than just a complementary piece.
2025 Season: The Make-or-Break Moment for Tate’s Draft Stock
As the 2025 season is set to begin, Tate faces a defining year. With Egbuka’s departure, he’s expected to see more one-on-one coverage as defenses focus on shutting down Smith. This shift could be a blessing in disguise, offering Tate the chance to showcase his skills against less crowded looks.
Ohio State’s offense, led by a quarterback room that includes returning starter Will Howard, should provide ample opportunities for Tate to rack up stats and highlight his route-running and hands.
The NFC East scout’s “all-in” stance suggests confidence in Tate’s ability to handle this pressure. If he can replicate or exceed his 2024 output of 733 yards and four touchdowns, while improving his consistency, he could climb into first-round conversations.
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The challenge here is that Tate must refine his release against press coverage and sharpen his decision-making in traffic, areas where film study will be key. Ohio State’s schedule, featuring matchups against Michigan, Oregon, and Penn State, will test his mettle against elite defenses.
Success in these games could elevate his profile, while struggles might keep him in the sleeper category. The next 10 months will be critical, with NFL teams likely to scrutinize every snap as they build their big boards.
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