Ohio State star receiver catches unexpected slight from upcoming opponent’s head coach in mysterious moment
The Ohio State Buckeyes have built one of the strongest and most undeniable runs in college football history, avoiding a down year unlike any modern program has. Throughout the last two decades, the Buckeyes have routinely pumped out top-notch NFL talent, and their recent squads have been particularly star-studded. Head coach Ryan Day’s ability to […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes have built one of the strongest and most undeniable runs in college football history, avoiding a down year unlike any modern program has. Throughout the last two decades, the Buckeyes have routinely pumped out top-notch NFL talent, and their recent squads have been particularly star-studded. Head coach Ryan Day’s ability to field a staff that has recruited and developed playmakers has defined his era with the team.
Ohio State’s receiving room has been particularly amazing. Brian Hartline continues to churn out great talent, and it’s almost hard to keep track of every big name. Apparently, even other head coaches are confused.
The Buckeyes host the Ohio Bobcats this week, and one of Ohio State’s top receivers, Carnell Tate, got some extra motivation this week. Ohio head coach Brian Smith has done an excellent job with his program, but might’ve opened a can of worms by confusing Tate with another Buckeye star.
Ohio HC confuses Caleb Downs with Carnell Tate
When asked about how to deal with Ohio State’s passing offense, Smith referred to Downs and Jeremiah Smith, leaving reporters confused.
“Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith are two of the best receivers in the country. Our defense has their hands full with that one. It’s challenging, what do we want to take away?”
Smith wouldn’t be totally wrong by including Downs, who could surely be a fantastic offensive weapon if he were utilized that way. But Smith clearly meant Tate, who has 118 yards on seven receptions this season. He only trails Smith on the season, totaling 11 catches and 162 yards.
Tate, a 6-foot-3, 191-pounder who totaled 733 yards and four touchdowns on 52 receptions in 2024, is the offense’s No. 2 target in 2025 in what should be a pass-happy attack in big games. Tate broke the 100-yard mark once but had eight games with at least four catches, including his breakout performance against Texas. He had seven catches for 87 yards in the Cotton Bowl and could’ve had more if not for an easy dropped touchdown.
