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Carnell Tate aims for a top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after three years at Ohio State, despite competition from first-round picks. He discusses his growth as a receiver and the impact of playing alongside elite talent.
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Carnell Tate had a plan; three years at Ohio State, then a place at the NFL Draft. Despite having his path to touches and targets blocked by first round picks Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka early in his career, he's set to be a potential top 10 pick when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off — three years after arriving in Columbus, Ohio.
In between a modest April workload — his seven top 30 visits reinforce the idea most teams think he'll be drafted before the bulk of the league makes its first round selections — Tate stopped by to talk about his career and what comes next. He's partnered with PayPal to knock out some pre-draft interviews and showcase his new sponsorship with a brand that's been around for (prepare to feel old) his entire life. Here's what he had to say about playing with some incredible wideouts, how his teammates will do in the pros and how an exercise bike gave him the toughest workout of his life.
"It only helps. Each and every one of you guys are competing to be the top receiver. We're all learning from each other and just, overall, taking things from each other and going out there and putting them into the field."
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) makes a catch for a touchdown Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, during the Big Ten football championship against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
"It was just a mindset change overall. Then it was also my third year. So I mean typically, I wanted to be in a three and out [to the NFL] plan. So I know I just had to overall elevate my game everywhere so that I can go out there and project myself."
Carnell Tate plans to enter the NFL Draft in 2026, aiming to be a potential top 10 pick.
Playing at Ohio State has sharpened Carnell Tate's skills by allowing him to compete with and learn from other top receivers.
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are the first-round picks that have limited Carnell Tate's opportunities at Ohio State.
NFL teams should consider drafting Ohio State players due to the competitive environment that enhances their skills and prepares them for the league.

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"I've always got a ball on me, whether it's around the house or out. Then, also just the JUGS machine. Spending hours on the JUGS, doing as many catches as possible.
"How many hours a week? So I don't know, my day is pretty much filled with football. Probably outside of the football part. I probably got only two hours to myself... So, probably, at least nine hours of football a day."
"I've been using PayPal all throughout my life and I'm familiar with it. The family uses it. So it's only right to [partner with] something that I'm very familiar with."
S Caleb Downs:
"Caleb doesn't really miss tackles. His play recognition is off the chart. His IQ is unbelievable The overall game speed is remarkable.
[On whether he's better against the pass or the run]
"Both. He's gone out there and caught picks and then he's also gone out there and hit people to cause multiple fumbles. So I think he's just as effective at both."
EDGE/LB Arvell Reese:
"He's a game changer. He's gone out there and rushed the quarterback at an unbelievable rate. He's done a great thing. He's flying around the ball. He's like a "see ball, go get ball" [player]. He's done an unbelievable job for us in our defense this past year."
LB Sonny Styles:
"Sonny brings everything. He is the voice of the defense, so he is making sure everyone's in the correct spot and then he's also making sure the people are correct. He's fixing everyone's problem and then he also can cover, but then he also can fit the run, so he brings tools to the table."
"He's a culture changer. When he came to Ohio State, he changed the culture. He's very physical, he is very loud. He talks his crap and he also goes out there and back it up. He plays with a lot of passion on the field, so that only continues to spread throughout the locker room and other guys will play just like him."
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Carnell Tate on playing like Davante Adams and why you should draft Ohio State players