Carnell Tate

PRO: The Titans drafted Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2-inch, 192-pounder is a crafty route runner and proven downfield threat who possesses a large catch radius and elite body control. The Chicago, Ill., native played three seasons (2023-25) at Ohio State where he tallied 121 receptions for 1,872 yards with 14 touchdowns.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• Tate tragically lost his mother, Ashley Griggs, in 2023 due to a drive-by shooting. Tate has honored his mom every step of the way since losing the woman closest to him. In college, he would blow kisses to the sky whenever he scored to honor her. In 2025, Tate took time out to meet a young Ohio State fan who had also lost his mother to a drive-by shooting and offered advice and support on handling grief. During the Combine, Tate wore a necklace with his mom's name on it as he completed the on-field drills. On draft night, Tate had his mother's name inscribed on his suit jacket.
• Tate has a love for Legos and video games, including his current favorite Call of Duty.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:  
• The Chicago, Ill., native was selected by the Titans in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft.COLLEGE:
• Saw action in 39 games with 27 starts over three seasons (2023-25) at Ohio State. Finished his career with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns. Had a reception in 37 of 39 games in which he played.

AS A JUNIOR (2025), appeared in 11 games and recorded 51 receptions for 875 yards, a 17.2 yards per reception average with nine touchdowns. Had four 100-yard receiving games. Named a first-team All-Big Ten by both coaches and media. Was named a first-team Academic All-American by the College Sports Communicators. Four major organizations – the American Football Coaches Association, The Sporting News, Associated Press and On3 – named him a second-team All-American as a junior. 
• Against Ohio (9/13), had five receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown.
• Against Minnesota (10/4), totaled a career-high 183 receiving yards off a career-best nine catches.
• At Wisconsin (10/18), recorded six receptions for 111 yards with two touchdowns.
• Against Penn State (11/1), totaled five receptions for 124 yards with one touchdown.

AS A SOPHOMORE (2024), started in 15 games and caught 52 passes for 733 yards with four touchdowns during the Ohio State national championship run. 
• Against Nebraska (10/26), tallied four receptions for 102 yards with one touchdown. It marked his first 100-yard receiving game.
• Against Northwestern (11/16), had a memorable and personal homecoming in the Northwestern game at Wrigley Field with four catches for 52 yards with two touchdowns.
• Against Texas (1/10), recorded seven receptions for 87 yards in the College Football Playoff game.
• Against Notre Dame (1/20), recorded two receptions for 35 yards in the National Championship Game.

AS A FRESHMAN (2023), appeared in 13 games with one start and recorded 18 receptions for 264 yards with one touchdown. His  freshman season totals eclipsed the freshman year totals of recent Ohio State greats: Chris Olave (12 receptions in 2018), Marvin Harrison Jr. (11 in 2021), Curtis Samuel (11 in 2014) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (10 in 2020).
• Against Indiana (9/2), caught a pass in his first game as a Buckeye.
• Against Western Kentucky (9/16), scored his first touchdown on a 28-yard reception.
• At Purdue (10/14), had three receptions for 79 yards.
• Set to graduate in May with a degree in Sports Industries from Ohio State.

PERSONAL:  
• Attended Marist (Ill.) High School for his freshman and sophomore seasons before finishing his high school career at IMG Academy.
• Was named a four-star prospect and the No. 25 player nationally regardless of position by 247Sports as a senior.
• As a senior (2022), averaged 20.3 yards per catch as a senior. Totaled 750 yards receiving and eight touchdowns over eight games.
• As a freshman (2019), became one of the first freshmen to play varsity games at the coveted Catholic college prep school, Marist, finishing his freshman year with 28 receptions for 444 yards with five touchdowns.
• Son of LeSean Tate and the late Ashley Griggs.
• Has four siblings: A'Kayla, Re'Niyah, Re'Asia and LeSean Tate Jr.
• Follow Tate on Instagram and X at @carnelltate.
• Born Carnell Tate on Jan. 19, 2005 in Chicago, Ill.