One of Ohio State's most promising freshmen made his first career start against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.
Carnell Tate took the field for the Buckeyes' first series in the absence of starters Marvin Harrison Jr., who is out for the contest as he prepares for the 2024 NFL draft, and Julian Fleming, who entered the transfer portal following the regular season.
Tate joined Emeka Egbuka in the starting lineup. Xavier Johnson also saw playing time on Ohio State’s opening offensive possession but was not in the starting lineup as the Buckeyes opened the game in a two-tight end set with Gee Scott Jr. and Jelani Thurman both starting.
Tate has appeared in spots for Ohio State this year and even played significant reps when Egbuka was out for three games with an ankle injury he sustained during the Buckeyes' Week 6 contest against Maryland.
On the season, Tate has 17 catches for 260 yards and a touchdown. His best outing came at Purdue in Week 7 when he hauled in three catches for 79 yards, both career-highs entering the Cotton Bowl.
Rated the No. 59 overall prospect and the No. 9 wide receiver in the 247Sports composite for the recruiting class of 2023, Tate became the first player from that class to shed his black stripe at Ohio State during spring practice on March 25. He caught his first career touchdown against Western Kentucky in Week 3, which also happened to be the first career touchdown pass for Devin Brown, who is making his first career start for the Buckeyes at quarterback in the Cotton Bowl.
Stay tuned to Eleven Warriors for more updates from Ohio State's Cotton Bowl showdown with Missouri.
