At nearly all Power Four institutions, Carnell Tate of Ohio State would shine as the undisputed No. 1 wide receiver. The only schools where he might face competition for this title are Arizona State, featuring Jordyn Tyson; USC, with Makai Lemon; and Ohio State itself, which also showcases Jeremiah Smith.

Smith has drawn attention as a can’t-miss prospect since his debut at Ohio State last year — a reputation he richly deserves. He is clearly positioned to be the top wide receiver in the 2027 NFL Draft and is making a compelling case as the finest player across all positions.

Don’t overlook Tate, who is carving his niche as one of college football’s most underrated stars. In Ohio State’s recent 34-0 victory over Wisconsin, Tate recorded six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns, marking his third game this season exceeding 100 receiving yards.

YOU CANNOT COVER CARNELL TATE.
TOUCHDOWN BUCKEYES 🔥 https://t.co/WznkZRNToC
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 18, 2025

Tate, a prominent five-star recruit from the 2023 class, faced stiff competition for targets in his freshman year, battling against a talent-laden wide receiving group that included Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming. Nevertheless, he concluded the 2023 season with 18 receptions for 264 yards and one touchdown.

During Ohio State’s championship run last year, Tate experienced significant growth, establishing himself as a primary target for quarterback Will Howard. He finished the 2024 season with 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns, including a standout performance of seven catches for 87 yards against Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

This season has already emerged as Tate’s strongest yet. In the first seven games, he has amassed 34 catches for 587 yards and six touchdowns, setting a new season record with numerous matches still ahead. Though his statistical resume may lack the staggering numbers of some teammates, Tate is asserting himself as a top wide receiver prospect ahead of this spring’s draft.

In the latest CBS Sports mock draft by Ryan Wilson, Tate is anticipated to be picked 19th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Analyst Mike Renner placed Tate alongside Tyson within Tier 1 of his wide receiver rankings for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, noting he possesses the potential to be a high-volume target in the NFL.

Carnell Tate might go down as one of the least-heralded top-10 picks at receiver in recent times. Such is life when your former teammate is the rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka and your current teammate is generational talent Jeremiah Smith. Yet, Tate has all the ingredients to be a high-volume X-receiver at the next level. His physique and graceful athletic ability evoke the style of an NBA slasher rather than a conventional wide receiver, which is precisely what sets him apart.

With the legacy of success Ohio State receivers have enjoyed in the NFL, betting on Tate’s potential seems wise. Egbuka, who holds the record for the most receptions in Ohio’s history (205), shared the spotlight with Smith last year but still racked up 81 catches for 1,011 yards and ten touchdowns. This scenario exists for Tate, who is technically Ohio State’s “WR2” but is talented enough to be the primary option on any Saturday and potentially the top choice in NFL lineups in the future.

Ohio State is fortunate to feature both Smith and Tate in their roster. It significantly contributes to why the Buckeyes are the clear favorites (+280) to seize the national title. Now in his second year, Tate, like the legends before him such as Egbuka and Harrison, is on the brink of proving himself as one of the sport’s elite and most underappreciated players.