“He has all the tools.” Ryan Day is thrilled about a player who might emerge as the Buckeyes’ 2025 breakout star.

If there’s one thing Ryan Day has consistently done well during his tenure at Ohio State, it’s identifying and developing breakout stars before the rest of the country even realizes what’s coming. From Garrett Wilson to C.J. Stroud, Marvin Harrison Jr. to TreVeyon Henderson, Day has a knack for spotting the next man up. And now, heading into the 2025 season, the Buckeyes head coach might have found his next rising superstar.

During spring practice, when asked about a player who could explode onto the national stage this fall, Day didn’t hesitate. He pointed to a versatile, freakishly athletic weapon who has quietly worked his way into a prominent role: wide receiver Carnell Tate.

“He has all the tools,” Day said after a recent scrimmage. “His mindset, his toughness, his attention to detail — it’s all coming together. I really think he’s ready to take that next step and be one of those guys.”

Tate, a former five-star recruit from IMG Academy, spent his freshman year learning behind future NFL talents. But now, with Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming gone, the stage is wide open — and Tate looks more than ready for the spotlight.

The Making of a Star

Rewind the clock to the 2023 recruiting cycle. Carnell Tate was ranked as the No. 3 receiver in the nation and the No. 22 overall player by 247Sports. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, he arrived at Ohio State with a college-ready frame and a mature, professional approach to the game. Coaches immediately took note.

“He was one of the most polished route runners we’ve seen coming out of high school,” said wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, himself a former Buckeye and NFL veteran. “He’s always been ahead of his age in terms of preparation.”

Despite the crowded receiver room, Tate appeared in 10 games as a true freshman in 2024, recording 15 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns. While those numbers may seem modest, it was clear from practice reps and late-season usage that the coaching staff was grooming him for more.

“He got a taste of it last year,” Day said. “But this offseason, you could just see it — he wants to be great.”

A Spring Surge

Heading into spring camp, all eyes were on Tate and how he’d respond to the challenge of potentially becoming WR1 in one of the most competitive position groups in college football. The answer? He’s responded like a future All-American.

Whether it was stretching the field on deep posts, making acrobatic grabs in red-zone drills, or working tirelessly on blocking techniques, Tate has been a model of consistency and drive.

Fellow wideout Jayden Ballard said Tate’s work ethic has rubbed off on the entire room.

“Carnell’s in the building early. He’s staying late. He’s watching film with the quarterbacks. That’s the kind of leadership that makes a difference,” Ballard said.

Quarterback Devin Brown, currently leading the quarterback competition with Julian Sayin close behind, has developed strong chemistry with Tate — something Brown said has been “natural from day one.”

“We just see the field the same way,” Brown explained. “I know where he’s going to be, and he knows where I’m looking. It’s hard to teach that kind of connection.”

Why Carnell Tate is Built for 2025

There are several reasons why Tate is perfectly positioned to become the breakout star for Ohio State in 2025.

1. The Opportunity

Ohio State’s top three receivers from last season are off to the NFL. Harrison is a projected top-three pick, while Egbuka and Fleming are both expected to be selected by Day 2. That leaves a massive void — and a golden opportunity — for someone like Tate to step into a featured role.

The Buckeyes are known for featuring their top receiver. Harrison had 1,263 yards last season; Egbuka had 1,151 in 2022. With that kind of volume up for grabs, the player who earns WR1 status is essentially guaranteed a shot at stardom.

2. The Skill Set

Tate isn’t just another talented recruit. He’s a technician. His route running is crisp. His hands are reliable. His body control is elite. He can high-point the football, find soft spots in zone, and beat press coverage with savvy releases. That diversity makes him a matchup nightmare.

Add in the fact that he’s already 195 pounds and has added muscle this offseason without losing any quickness, and you have the makings of a legitimate alpha receiver.

“His game is so polished already,” said Hartline. “He reminds me a lot of Chris Olave with how smooth he is, but he’s got a little more physicality to him, too.”

3. The Work Ethic

Perhaps most importantly, Tate’s mental makeup is what separates him.

Coaches rave about his maturity, his film study habits, and his constant pursuit of improvement. He’s not content to just be good — he’s chasing greatness. That mentality has served former Buckeye greats well, and Tate seems cut from that same cloth.

“Carnell is the type of guy who’ll run a route 10 times in a row until he gets it perfect,” said redshirt sophomore safety Malik Hartford. “He’s just wired different.”

Buckeye Legacy in the Making?

If Tate does break out as expected, he’ll be the latest in a long line of elite receivers produced by the Buckeyes.

Under Hartline’s guidance, Ohio State has become the premier destination for wideouts. Garrett Wilson. Chris Olave. Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Marvin Harrison Jr. It’s a dynasty at the position, and Tate may be next in line to carry the torch.

“When you come to Ohio State as a receiver, you know what the expectations are,” Tate said in March. “You’re expected to be the best in the country. I embrace that.”

With the Buckeyes once again eyeing a national title run in 2025, having a dominant receiver will be essential. Their schedule includes early challenges against Texas and Michigan State, not to mention the always-crucial clash with Michigan in November. A go-to playmaker like Tate could be the difference.

Ryan Day’s Vote of Confidence

Day’s public praise of Tate isn’t just lip service. The head coach has repeatedly doubled down on his belief that Tate is ready for the moment.

“He checks every box we’re looking for,” Day said. “We’ve had some special ones here, and Carnell’s got a real chance to be right there in that conversation.”

That kind of endorsement — from a coach who’s sent multiple first-rounders to the NFL — carries weight.

Teammates Take Notice

It’s not just the coaches who are raving about Tate. His teammates have seen the growth firsthand.

“I remember when he first got here, you could see the raw talent,” said tight end Jelani Thurman. “But now? He’s refined. He’s confident. He’s playing like a vet.”

Linebacker Cody Simon said Tate has been a nightmare to defend in practice.

“He can line up in the slot, outside, in motion — you never know where he’s coming from. And he doesn’t take plays off,” Simon said. “He’s going to be a problem for defenses this year.”

What’s Next?

With the spring game approaching, all eyes will be on how Tate performs in a more public setting. If his spring camp performance is any indication, fans could be in for a show.

Beyond that, Tate is likely to be a focal point in the fall. With Brown and Sayin battling it out at quarterback, both passers know that getting the ball into No. 17’s hands is a priority.

“Anytime I’m in trouble, I’m looking his way,” Brown said with a grin. “He just makes plays.”

A Breakout Year Ahead?

For Carnell Tate, the ingredients are all there — elite talent, opportunity, system fit, and unwavering support from his coaches and teammates. If he continues to trend upward, it’s not hard to imagine him finishing 2025 with 1,000+ yards, double-digit touchdowns, and a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team.

And in the process, he could solidify himself as the next great Ohio State wide receiver — and potentially a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.