After playing a major role on Ohio State’s national championship team, Carnell Tate’s future with the program became a topic of discussion.
A four-star recruit in the class of 2023, Tate caught 52 passes for 733 yards and four touchdowns for the Buckeyes in 2024. He scored a pair of touchdowns in a 31-7 win over Northwestern on Nov. 16 and caught seven passes for 87 yards in Ohio State’s win over Texas in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl.
Following the Buckeyes’ 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Tate was the subject of transfer rumors. Other programs were reportedly willing to offer the rising junior a seven-figure NIL deal.
Still, despite any outsider overtures, Tate is staying put. He made that clear when speaking with reporters at the Columbus Crew’s season opener over the weekend, where Tate served as the team’s match igniter.
“The plan was never for me to leave,” Tate told 10TV’s Adam King. “I don’t know where that came from, where that started. I bleed Ohio State.”
Tate also told King he is excited to see Brian Hartline take over as OSU’s offensive coordinator following the departure of Chip Kelly to the NFL.
“I’m excited for my guy. I see the work day-in and day-out, everything he’s put into the program,’ King said of the Buckeyes’ wide receivers coach. “So I’m excited for him to finally take the keys.”
A Chicago native, Tate was Ohio State’s third option at wide receiver this past season, behind all-world freshman Jeremiah Smith and steady veteran Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka is headed to the NFL, meaning the opportunity should be there for Tate to have an increased role in 2025.
Fresh off its national championship, Ohio State will begin spring practice on March 17.
Related: Jeremiah Smith Announces Final Decision On His Future At Ohio State