In a storyline straight out of a Hollywood sports thriller, two of college football’s biggest programs, Oregon and Texas, are being accused of tampering with one of Ohio State’s brightest stars, wide receiver Carnell Tate. The accusations come on the heels of Ohio State’s thrilling victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship—a momentous triumph for the Buckeyes that now finds itself shadowed by behind-the-scenes chaos.
The Championship Aftermath: Celebration Turns to Concern
The Buckeyes’ national championship win was supposed to be a crowning moment for head coach Ryan Day and his staff. But just days after the confetti settled, the coaching staff found themselves scrambling—not to prepare for next season, but to keep their championship roster intact. While departures to the NFL are a natural consequence of success, the emergence of tampering allegations has added an unexpected layer of complexity to their offseason.
Under NCAA rules, players from Ohio State and Notre Dame were granted a brief five-day window to enter the transfer portal following the championship game. And while some player exits during this period are voluntary, reports suggest that some high-profile athletes, including Carnell Tate, have been actively pursued by other programs.
Carnell Tate: The Center of the Storm
Tate, a former five-star recruit, had a breakout season in 2024, racking up 52 receptions, 733 yards, and four touchdowns despite playing a supporting role behind star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. His stellar performance has made him a tantalizing target for other programs, and rivals appear eager to exploit his situation.
Jeremy Birmingham, a respected voice in college football and a contributor to Rivals and “THE Podcast,” pulled back the curtain on the tampering drama. “Programs like Oregon and Texas are actively pursuing players like Carnell Tate,” Birmingham said, breaking the unwritten rule of keeping names under wraps. “It’s no secret—it’s out there, so we can discuss it.”
Tampering in the NIL Era: A New Battlefield
Birmingham’s comments also touched on the broader issue at hand: the rise of tampering in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. “Right now, it’s a Wild West situation where money is dictating moves,” Birmingham explained. “Eventually, it will balance out, and the things that used to matter—relationships, coaching, development—will take precedence. But for now, that’s not the reality.”
Programs like Oregon and Texas allegedly view Tate as a prime candidate for their rosters, using promises of NIL deals and a larger spotlight to lure him away from Columbus. The pitch may seem enticing: at Ohio State, Tate plays “third fiddle” behind Smith and Egbuka. Other programs might argue that Tate could be a No. 1 option elsewhere—a tempting prospect for any player hungry for the limelight.
Buckeyes’ Relief: Tate’s Decision to Stay
Despite the swirling rumors and underhanded recruitment tactics, Tate has reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio State. According to On3 Sports, Tate is staying put in Columbus, much to the relief of Buckeyes fans and coaches alike. His decision sends a strong message about loyalty and the enduring appeal of Ohio State’s program, even amidst the storm of NIL temptations.
Bigger Questions Loom
While Ohio State may have dodged a bullet with Tate’s retention, the incident raises uncomfortable questions about the future of college football. If top-tier programs are willing to bend the rules—or outright break them—to poach talent, what does that mean for the sport’s integrity? Will the NCAA step in to enforce stricter regulations, or is this the new normal?
What’s Next for Ohio State?
For Ryan Day and his staff, Tate’s decision to stay is a major victory. But the offseason is far from over, and the Buckeyes must remain vigilant. In the NIL era, every star player is a potential target, and every rival program is a potential poacher. The battle for championships is no longer confined to the field—it’s waged in boardrooms, locker rooms, and, increasingly, through whispers and backdoor deals.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the saga of Carnell Tate is a cautionary tale and a wake-up call. For fans, coaches, and players alike, it’s a reminder that in modern college football, the game doesn’t stop when the clock hits zero.
