Sportsvival continues its early look at premier prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, spotlighting Carnell Tate-Ohio State’s 6‑3, 190 lb wide receiver whose contested‑catch ability and downfield explosiveness vaulted him into first‑round conversations after a breakout 2025 season.
Ohio State- WR- Carnell Tate- 6'3" 190 lbs.
Background and Recruit Profile
High school:
Tate grew up in Chicago, attended Marist High School, then transferred to IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) before his junior season; he was a five‑star recruit in the 2022 cycle and signed with Ohio State after receiving upwards of 37 offers from schools like Alabama, Tennessee, and LSU.
Personal: Born January 19, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois
Physical Profile and Measurables
Height / Weight: 6‑3, 190 lbs
Traits: Long catch radius, contested‑catch instincts, and the length to win 50/50 throws; projects as a boundary X/Z receiver with red‑zone upside.
College Career
2023 (True freshman): 18 receptions, 264 yards, 1 TD, contributed in a crowded Buckeyes receiver room while gaining experience.
2024: 52 receptions, 733 yards, 4 TDs, increased role during Ohio State’s season and contributed in big games.
2025: 51 receptions, 875 yards, 9 receiving TDs in 11 games (missed games due to injury), Announced after the season that he was entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
Strengths
Contested‑catch ability and red‑zone production: consistently wins 50/50 throws and converts scoring opportunities.
Downfield explosiveness: creates chunk plays and forces defenses to respect the deep ball.
Physical upside: length and frame project well to boundary roles at the next level.
Weaknesses
Press‑release consistency and route polish: can be slowed by physical jams; intermediate route‑craft can be refined.
Blocking technique: needs development to be a consistent pro‑style boundary blocker.
Player Profile and Projection
Draft projection: Early Round 1 candidate; Day‑1 starter upside as an outside X/Z receiver who stretches the field and finishes in the red zone.
Role projection: Boundary vertical threat and contested‑catch specialist who pairs well with possession slot receivers.
Pro comparison:
Ceiling comparisons have been made to elite contested‑catch boundary scorers; evaluators emphasize his Mike‑Evans‑style red‑zone role and Justin‑Jefferson‑level upside in downfield impact as a ceiling, while noting he is not a one‑for‑one replica.
Sportsvival View
Sportsvival views Carnell Tate as one of the top boundary prospects in the 2026 class. With continued refinement of his release techniques, route polish, and blocking, Tate projects as a Day‑1 starter with WR1 ceiling and a safe early‑round pick for teams seeking contested‑catch and vertical scoring upside.
(photo courtesy of Bleacher Report)