The Ohio State Buckeyes have been riding high this week, beginning with an exhilarating national championship victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Monday. But as the celebration buzzed through Columbus, storm clouds of uncertainty loomed over their roster, with rumors of high-stakes tampering and transfer offers swirling around two of their brightest stars.
The heart of the drama centered on wide receiver Carnell Tate, a rising star whose talents reportedly caught the eye—and the wallets—of other programs. According to On3, an outside team attempted to lure Tate away from Ohio State with a jaw-dropping $1 million offer to enter the transfer portal. If that wasn’t enough, an even more staggering $4.5 million deal was dangled in front of freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, another crucial piece of Ohio State’s offensive arsenal.
For Buckeye fans, the prospect of losing these game-changing playmakers felt like a nightmare creeping into reality. But just when the tension hit its peak, the Buckeye faithful received a lifeline of hope. According to On3 insiders Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong, Tate has decided to remain loyal to Ohio State and will suit up for the Scarlet and Gray in the 2025 season.
This decision is nothing short of monumental for Ohio State. Carnell Tate wasn’t just a contributor to the team’s success—he was a cornerstone. The Buckeyes’ offense thrived this past season, finishing 12th nationally in points per game (35.7, tied with Memphis and Tennessee) and ranking 30th in total yards per game (429.4). Tate’s individual performance was instrumental in these numbers. Over 15 games, he hauled in 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns, ranking third in all three categories on the team.
NEWS: Ohio State WR Carnell Tate is returning to Columbus amid Transfer Portal speculation, @SWiltfong_ & @PeteNakos_ report🌰https://t.co/mGhRnf3hr5 pic.twitter.com/YDLDrFHQ3F
— On3 (@On3sports) January 25, 2025
But Tate’s decision to stay isn’t just about stats—it’s about stability in a time of change. The Buckeyes are already bracing for the departure of Emeka Egbuka, the team’s second-most productive receiver, who is heading to the 2025 NFL Draft. Compounding the situation, Ohio State has suffered multiple losses in its receiving corps through the transfer portal, including four-star recruit Kojo Antwi and three-star Jayden Ballard. Any additional defections would have left the receiver room almost unrecognizable heading into next season.
Tate’s commitment to the program is a defiant stand against the growing influence of NIL-fueled transfer offers that are reshaping the college football landscape. It’s a reminder that loyalty and the pursuit of legacy still hold sway in a sport increasingly defined by money and movement. For Buckeye fans, Tate’s return isn’t just a win—it’s a rallying cry, a signal that Ohio State’s culture and tradition remain powerful enough to keep their stars shining in Columbus.
With Tate back in the fold, Ohio State is poised to reload rather than rebuild, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in their storied football history. Buckeye Nation can breathe a sigh of relief—for now. But with big-money offers becoming the new normal in college football, one thing is clear: the transfer portal battles are far from over.
