Carnell Tate

Carnell Tate was born on January 19, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois. He began his high school football career at Marist High School, where as a freshman in 2019, he recorded 28 receptions for 444 yards and five touchdowns. His sophomore season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to his junior year in 2021, Tate transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. During his time at IMG Academy, he was recognized as a five-star recruit and received offers from numerous Division I football programs nationally. On June 20, 2022, he committed to Ohio State University.

At Ohio State, Tate played three seasons from 2023 to 2025. In his freshman year (2023), he appeared in 13 games with one start, catching 18 passes for 264 yards and one touchdown. He scored his first collegiate touchdown against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with a 28-yard reception. His production as a freshman surpassed the early career totals of other notable Ohio State wide receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. As a sophomore in 2024, Tate became a starter and was instrumental in Ohio State’s national championship victory. He recorded 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns in 15 starts. A highlight of his sophomore season was catching two touchdowns in his hometown of Chicago against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field. His junior year in 2025 saw him achieve first-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media, as well as second-team All-American recognition from four major organizations. That season, he appeared in 11 games, tallying 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, including four 100-yard receiving games. He concluded his collegiate career with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns. Tate graduated in May 2026 with a degree in Sports Industries.

Tate was selected by the Tennessee Titans as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. On May 8, 2026, he signed a four-year, $51.1 million contract with the Titans, which included a $33.6 million signing bonus. He has quickly made an impact with the team, demonstrating his skills during training camp and offseason activities, which included participating in joint practices and content days. Tate is recognized for his contributions on the field and for honoring his late mother, Ashley Griggs, by blowing kisses to the sky after scoring touchdowns and wearing her name during public appearances. Off the field, he has interests in Legos and video games.