Quarterback might be football’s most challenging position, but Ohio State’s explosive wide receiver tandem of Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate is making their own case for dominance heading into 2025.
Fresh off a national championship season, the Buckeyes return two of college football’s most dangerous playmakers. With another year of experience and refined chemistry, Smith and Tate are positioned to terrorize defenses across the country.
Ohio State’s Dynamic Duo Primed for Another Championship Run
Ohio State’s wide receiver tradition shows no signs of slowing down. As the 2025 season approaches, Smith and Tate stand ready to continue the Buckeyes’ legacy of producing elite pass catchers.
Jeremiah Smith turned heads as a freshman, dominating the field and proving he belonged among the nation’s elite. CBS Sports reporter Carter Bahns wrote, “Jeremiah Smith was arguably the best wide receiver in college football as a true freshman. Imagine what he can do with a full year of experience under his belt.”
Jeremiah Smith’s resume in his first year at Ohio State:
– National Champion
– Broke Ohio State freshman records for receptions, yards, and TDs
– First-Team All-American
– Rose Bowl Offensive MVP
– EA College Football 26 cover athlete
🐐 pic.twitter.com/5jfTwhUvy9— Swish (@swishxvibes) May 27, 2025
Smith’s remarkable season produced Big Ten-leading numbers: 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. His performance ranks among the most prolific freshman seasons in recent college football history.
While Smith grabbed headlines, Carnell Tate quietly established himself as a reliable weapon. The sophomore hauled in 52 catches for 733 yards and four touchdowns, proving invaluable as Ohio State’s third option behind Smith and departing senior Emeka Egbuka.
With Egbuka now preparing for the NFL Draft, Tate steps into a larger role. His experience and reliability suggest he’s ready to approach or exceed 1,000 receiving yards while drawing increased defensive attention away from Smith.
Don’t be shocked if Carnell Tate has close to or more yards than Jeremiah Smith this year. Smith will still be the clear number 1 but he’ll draw extra attention all year opening opportunities for Tate pic.twitter.com/PMEJus8vvS
— Walk-On Redshirts (@walkonredshirts) June 20, 2025
The biggest question surrounding Ohio State’s offense centers on the quarterback position. Five-star talent Julian Sayin appears to have the inside track after backing up Will Howard during the championship run, though he’s still competing with Lincoln Kienholz for the starting role.
While uncertainty remains at quarterback, Sayin benefits from throwing to two of college football’s most talented receivers. Their ability to create separation and make contested catches should ease his transition into the starting role.
Behind this talented receiving corps stands offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, whose track record speaks volumes. The former Buckeye receiver has developed NFL first-round picks Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr., cementing Ohio State as Wide Receiver U.
Under Hartline’s tutelage, Smith and Tate continue their progression toward NFL stardom. Their combination of talent, experience, and elite coaching makes them college football’s most feared receiving duo entering 2025.
