Texas Longhorns Target Ohio State’s Carnell Tate Amid Wide Receiver Revamp
As the Texas Longhorns prepare for the upcoming season, one of their top priorities is strengthening their wide receiver corps. With key departures, including Matthew Golden, Isaiah Bond, and Silas Bolden, Texas finds itself in need of elite playmakers to complement quarterback Arch Manning, who is set to take the reins as the starting quarterback.
The Longhorns already boast talent in Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr., but they are reportedly setting their sights higher. According to Jeremy Birmingham of The Podcast, Texas is among several teams aggressively pursuing Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate. However, the Longhorns face stiff competition, particularly from the Oregon Ducks, who have reportedly prepared a substantial NIL package to make Tate their top wideout for the 2025 season.
“Oregon, Texas, and others are going hard after Carnell Tate,” Birmingham noted. “This tampering, especially from Oregon, has been going on for a while.”
Tate’s Impressive Resume
At 6-foot-3 and 191 pounds, Tate has proven himself to be a standout sophomore for the Buckeyes. Despite being the No. 3 receiver behind Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, Tate delivered an impressive season with 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns.
One of Tate’s most notable performances came against Texas in the Cotton Bowl, where he tallied seven catches for 87 yards. Despite being overshadowed by the Longhorns’ defensive focus on Jeremiah Smith, Tate showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. He could have added more to his stats in that game if not for a dropped touchdown pass.
Texas vs. Oregon: The Battle for Tate
With Emeka Egbuka heading to the NFL next season, Tate would likely step up as Ohio State’s No. 2 receiver behind Jeremiah Smith if he stays in Columbus. However, Texas offers an enticing opportunity with Arch Manning at quarterback, giving the Longhorns a potential edge in their pitch. Manning’s highly-touted talent and ability to distribute the ball could provide Tate with the opportunity to shine as a featured target.
Meanwhile, Oregon, though lacking a star quarterback, has a financial advantage. Reports suggest the Ducks have presented a massive NIL deal to secure Tate’s commitment, making them a formidable contender in the race.
What’s Next for Tate?
Coming off Ohio State’s national championship victory, Tate is likely still weighing his options. The allure of remaining with the Buckeyes, where he is already a key part of a championship-caliber team, is strong. However, the potential for a prominent role in Texas’ evolving offense, coupled with Oregon’s financial incentives, creates an intriguing dilemma.
For Longhorns fans, Tate is a name to watch closely throughout the offseason. His decision could significantly impact the team’s offensive trajectory in 2025, and with Arch Manning at the helm, the addition of a proven playmaker like Tate could elevate Texas to new heights.
