Other schools' best tampering efforts ultimately didn’t convince Carnell Tate to enter the transfer portal.
One of the biggest storylines in the wake of Ohio State's national championship victory was the millions being offered to its star wide receivers to hop in the transfer portal and go to other schools. Tate reportedly fielded offers of more than $1 million to do so.
There were rumblings at the time that Tate was considering taking one of those offers to become a No. 1 receiver elsewhere. But in an interview with 10TV after he served as the Columbus Crew's match igniter for their season opener against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, Tate said his loyalty never wavered.
"The plan was never for me to leave," Tate said. "I don't know where that came from, where that started. I bleed Ohio State."
Two quick notes from talking with Carnell Tate:
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) February 24, 2025
- He's excited for Brian Hartline to take over the offense
- He doesn't know where the idea he was leaving started... "I bleed Ohio State"
It feels like Tate is one of the most underrated receivers going into next season: pic.twitter.com/8HLxKMlXnm
The junior Tate had 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns as arguably the best No. 3 wide receiver in college football in 2024. As he moves up to second in Ohio State's pecking order behind sophomore Jeremiah Smith this season, he could be in line for even gaudier numbers.
Tate and the Buckeyes begin spring practice on March 17.
