The Alabama Crimson Tide will be without their legendary head coach, Nick Saban, for the first time in almost twenty years. The college football landscape-shifting move opens up a potential straightforward path for the Ohio State football program to clinch its ninth title in school history and its first since 2014. Despite consistently finishing in the top ten of the AP Poll every year, the Buckeyes have been unable to capture that elusive ninth championship, coming closest in 2020 before being stopped by Alabama in the postseason finale.
Like many of their previous renditions, Ohio State will house an explosive offense next fall. With superstar wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. now among the NFL ranks, the Buckeyes will likely lean heavily on junior pass-catcher Emeka Egbuka next season. However, former five-star mega prospect and sophomore Carnell Tate could take on much of the production left in the wake of Harrison’s absence. Tate spoke to the media on Friday, expressing his confidence in his abilities to shine while donning the Buckeyes uniform.
WR Carnell Tate: Expecting Big Year with Ohio State Football
Underclassmen or not, Ohio State football wide receiver Carnell Tate has little doubt he can become a primetime contributor for the Buckeyes in 2024. When speaking to the media on Friday, the wideout shared his mindset heading into his second season with the program, oozing confidence about his ability to play in the hyper-competitive Big Ten.
"They going to see me play ball and talk my trash with it"
Carnell Tate is a man of few words, but it doesn't take many for him to get his point across. 17 could have a special season for the Buckeyes
In just eight seconds he tells you all you need to know about his mindset: pic.twitter.com/NZmBkeuGsq
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) August 9, 2024
“I catch everything. If the ball is thrown my way, I make a play. They going to see me play ball and talk my trash with it.”
Tate, a five-star prospect and the third-ranked wide receiver in the class of 2023 per 247Sports, played a reserve role for Ohio State football last season. As a true freshman, Tate tallied 18 receptions for 264 yards and one touchdown. The IMG Academy product played behind first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr., potential first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, and senior Julian Fleming. However, with Harrison Jr. now in the NFL and Fleming transferring to Penn State, Tate will shift into a more prominent role this upcoming season. Known for his incredible ball skills, Tate is one of only four five-star recruits from the 2022 class, according to 247Sports.
Ohio State Football: WR Depth Chart
The Ohio State Buckeyes will return only three of their top seven pass catchers from last season. Star offensive playmakers Emeka Egbuka and running back TreVeyon Henderson will return for Ohio State. However, former five-star recruit Carnell Tate will need to take the next step forward in his development so that the Buckeyes can realize their offensive potential. Alongside Tate, the Ohio State football program also inked top wide receiver recruit Jeremiah Smith in the class of 2024. Four-star recruit Mylan Graham will also join Smith and Ohio State.
Meanwhile, the Buckeyes will transition to Kansas State quarterback transfer Will Howard under center. Howard spent the past four seasons playing for Kansas State, highlighted by a 33-touchdown campaign last season. Howard, a dual-threat quarterback, rushed for 921 yards and 19 touchdowns during his tenure with KSU.
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