Just days after celebrating their College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Notre Dame, the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves facing new challenges. Despite overcoming regular-season losses to Oregon and Michigan to dominate in the playoffs, head coach Ryan Day now faces a potential roster shake-up as the transfer portal opens.
According to Jeremy Birmingham of THE Podcast and Rivals, other programs are targeting Ohio State players, including star wide receiver Carnell Tate. Birmingham revealed that Texas and Oregon are among the schools pursuing Tate, offering him the opportunity to be a featured receiver—a role that may be limited at Ohio State with Jeremiah Smith, the nation’s top wideout, on the roster.
Tate, a five-star recruit from the 2023 class, had a strong season with 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-3 with No. 1 receiver potential, it’s no surprise that schools are vying for his talents. Birmingham noted the broader implications of NIL in these situations, predicting a future where equal pay across programs will bring focus back to relationships, coaching, and player development.
For Texas, the pursuit of Tate makes sense, as they are set to lose key receivers Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, and Silas Bolden, along with tight end Gunnar Helm, who collectively accounted for 175 catches and 22 touchdowns this season. Oregon, meanwhile, is also in the mix, looking to capitalize on their recent success and NIL resources.
Whether Tate decides to leave Ohio State remains uncertain, but it’s clear he has significant interest from top programs eager to bolster their receiving corps.
