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Former Ohio State star Carnell Tate has many names to live up to, but he only wants to live up to one: his own.
Once drafted, likely in the first round this week, he will join an entire fraternity of Buckeye wide receivers to make it to the NFL.
Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are just a few Buckeyes to be taken in the first round this decade.
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Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate runs upfield after a catch during the CFP quarterfinal Cotton Bowl Classic football game against Miami at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 31, 2025. (Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire)
Of course, it’s easy for position players to be compared to those who share an alma mater, but Tate doesn’t want to be someone he’s not.
“I can only be Carnell Tate. I’m not Marv, I’m not Garrett, I’m not Chris, those guys are themselves,” Tate said in a recent interview with Pakinomist Digital. “Everybody has carved out their destiny for themselves. You go out there and do what you know you can be, not the guy next to you.”
At least the Buckeye fraternity is strong, and Tate already has good guys at his disposal — and he feels a responsibility to preserve the positive OSU name.
Carnell Tate of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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“They’re incredible, great guys who paved the way for me to have this platform, so it’s only right that I carry on the legacy of Receiver U,” Tate said. “All those guys have been helpful throughout my process. When they come to town, they pour knowledge into us, give us life advice, advice in general about the league. When I need those guys, they welcome me with open arms.”
And when Buckeyes young and old meet, Tate is sure to have PayPal handy.
“They have the pool thing that allows them to just send a link in a group chat and it just makes it easier for everyone to just send money,” Tate said of his partnership with PayPal. “PayPal just makes it easier for everyone.”
The offseason has been a whirlwind for Tate, who went from trying to win a second straight national championship to training for the NFL Draft. There was no true offseason, and he had the most important job interviews of his life while meeting with teams.
But the work is done, and now Tate is letting the cards fall as they may.
Carnell Tate of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a reception during a college football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Nov. 1, 2025. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)
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“It’s been different. Everyone says it’s going to be the longest year of your life,” Tate admitted. “But it’s been exciting. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and a week from now I’ll see my dreams come true.”
