In an era where college football players are increasingly enticed by lucrative NIL deals and transfer portal opportunities, loyalty has become a rare commodity. However, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate has made it clear that his allegiance to the Buckeyes remains unwavering. Despite reportedly receiving offers exceeding $1 million to enter the transfer portal, Tate never wavered in his commitment to Ohio State, stating emphatically, “I bleed Ohio State.”
Tate’s declaration is a powerful statement in today’s college football landscape, where NIL money and transfer opportunities can often lead players away from their original commitments. For Ohio State fans and the program itself, his steadfast loyalty is a testament to the culture and brotherhood that the Buckeyes have built under head coach Ryan Day.
A Rising Star in Columbus
Tate arrived at Ohio State as a highly-touted recruit, ranked among the nation’s top wide receivers in the 2023 class. A product of IMG Academy in Florida, Tate had no shortage of suitors during his recruitment, with powerhouse programs across the country vying for his commitment. However, the four-star wideout chose Ohio State, citing the program’s rich history of producing NFL-caliber receivers and his strong relationship with wide receivers coach Brian Hartline.
As a freshman, Tate showed flashes of brilliance, proving why he was such a coveted recruit. His speed, precise route running, and ability to make contested catches made him an immediate contributor to an already loaded receiver room featuring stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. While his role grew throughout the season, his potential for an expanded role in 2024 has Buckeye fans excited.
Big Money Offers in the Transfer Portal Era
With the transfer portal reshaping college football, high-profile players now find themselves at the center of bidding wars, with schools using NIL collectives to lure talent away from their current programs. As one of the most promising young receivers in the country, Tate became a target for schools looking to land a game-changing playmaker.
Reports indicate that multiple programs—some with deep NIL pockets—made significant financial offers in an attempt to convince Tate to leave Ohio State. Some of these offers were reportedly north of $1 million, an amount that would be difficult for most young athletes to ignore.
However, for Tate, money wasn’t everything. His decision to stay in Columbus wasn’t about chasing the biggest paycheck—it was about loyalty, legacy, and a belief in what Ohio State represents.
“I Bleed Ohio State” – Why Tate Stayed
Tate’s response to the transfer rumors was as clear as it gets:
“I never planned on leaving Columbus. I bleed Ohio State.”
For Tate, Ohio State is more than just a football program. It’s a place where he has built relationships, developed as a player, and embraced the brotherhood that comes with being a Buckeye.
Several factors contributed to his decision to remain at Ohio State:
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Coaching Stability & Development – With Brian Hartline leading the wide receiver group, Tate knows he is in one of the best developmental programs in the country. Hartline’s track record of sending receivers to the NFL (Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and soon-to-be Marvin Harrison Jr.) speaks for itself.
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Championship Aspirations – Ohio State is consistently in the national title conversation. With high expectations for 2024, Tate wants to be part of a team that competes for championships rather than chasing individual financial gain.
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Brotherhood & Team Culture – The bond between players in Columbus is stronger than NIL deals. For Tate, leaving his teammates, coaches, and fans behind for a payday wasn’t an option.
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NFL Pathway – Playing at Ohio State automatically puts him in the national spotlight. The Buckeyes’ offensive system and reputation for developing receivers ensure that Tate will have every opportunity to showcase his skills for the next level.
A Message to Buckeye Nation
Tate’s commitment to staying in Columbus sends a strong message not only to Ohio State fans but also to the entire college football landscape. It reaffirms that some players still prioritize loyalty, team culture, and long-term goalsover short-term financial gains.
For Buckeye fans, Tate’s decision is a reason for celebration. In a time when roster turnover has become the norm, seeing a young star embrace the scarlet and gray with such passion is refreshing.
With Marvin Harrison Jr. departing for the NFL, Tate has a golden opportunity to become one of the go-to receiversfor the Buckeyes in 2024. His talent, work ethic, and love for Ohio State make him a player to watch as he looks to carve out his legacy in Columbus.