With the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Tate was presumed by many to be the top prospect at his position in the draft. When the Arizona Cardinals made Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love the third overall pick, it came as little surprise that the Titans chose a skill player like Tate.
Nevertheless, the selection did not sit well with one of the NFL’s most exciting young receivers.
Ohio State Fans Defend Carnell Tate Against Malik Nabers’ Criticism
Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft, had a harsh criticism of the selection.
“He hasn’t even been the No. 1 on the team he’s been on,” Nabers said.
Nabers is, of course, referencing Jeremiah Smith, who is widely considered college football’s best receiver among current players at that level. By pointing out that Tate was not the primary receiver over Smith, Nabers frames his criticism in terms of team hierarchy and perceived talent.
Smith had 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, following an impressive 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns as a true freshman. His standout performances contributed to Ohio State’s national championship and have led some to label him a ‘generational talent,’ providing context for why being second to Smith is not necessarily a slight against Tate.
Tate was no slouch himself, catching 51 balls for a career-high 875 yards with 9 touchdowns last season. Throughout his career, Tate has tallied 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns, numbers that underscore his reliability and skill relative to his teammates.
Nabers had a fantastic rookie season, hauling in 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and 7 touchdowns. Nabers fell on hard times last season, tearing his ACL in the Giants’ fourth game. He finished with 18 catches for 271 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Nabers has also criticized his own team’s selections.
Despite Nabers’ fast start to his career, his criticism of Tate’s selection seems misplaced, especially considering Smith’s impressive performance. Being the No. 2 receiver on a team with Smith is no slight.
In response, Ohio State’s passionate fan base took to X to defend Tate.
They had to remind Nabers they don’t believe he would have been the top option in Columbus either.
“I’m not sure why Malik Nabers is coming after Carnell Tate when he wouldn’t have been the No. 1 receiver at Ohio State either,” Andrew Lind wrote.
I’m not sure why Malik Nabers is coming after Carnell Tate when he wouldn’t have been the No. 1 receiver at Ohio State either…
— Andrew Lind (@AndrewMLind) April 26, 2026
Cody Croy of the Silver Bulletin and the Boomin Buckeyes Podcast agreed.
“Malik Nabers fails to realize he too would be the second option on a team led by Jeremiah Smith,” he said.
Malik Nabers fails to realize he too would be the second option on a team led by Jeremiah Smith https://t.co/hJxbyr0XVB
— Cody Croy | The Silver Bulletin (@BoominBuckeyes) April 26, 2026
The Buckeye Nut believes the comment was not needed.
Unnecessary comment. Tate had Jeremiah Smith — the best player in college football. Come on now. https://t.co/5oNd5mPGx1
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) April 26, 2026
Looking ahead, all three players face significant questions next season, making their performances worth closely following.
Can Nabers regain his rookie form after injury? Can Tate develop into a No. 1 wide receiver despite not being one at Ohio State? Will Smith have another outstanding season that could result in him being next year’s top overall pick?
All three storylines should be a lot of fun to watch play out.
