03-07-2025
Ohio State's biggest sleeper for repeat title revealed
A lot of players, both new and old, will determine whether or not the Ohio State Buckeyes can win a second straight title. They have a new quarterback, tons of new defensive players, and more. Names like Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin figure to be important, but there's one name that a college football insider believes might be a sleeper pick for the defending champs.
ESPN analyst Jake Trotter named Carnell Tate the biggest sleeper for the Buckeyes as they attempt to repeat as champions. Tate could never really show out with Emeka Egbuka, a future first-round NFL draft selection, and Jeremiah Smith ahead of him on the depth chart. But with Egbuka gone and Smith likely drawing all the defensive attention now, there's space for a Tate brekout.
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"Tate still played a key role for the Buckeyes, starting every game for the national champions," Trotter said. "In the playoff semifinals against Texas, he made the Longhorns pay for their coverages taking away Smith by hauling in a game-high seven passes for 87 yards... Tate is set to play an ever bigger role for the Buckeyes as a junior. He could easily surpass the 52 receptions and 733 receiving yards he had last season, and he should be a valuable wingman to Smith in yet another talented Ohio State receiving corps."
When defenses focused entirely on Smith last year, like against Texas, Tate made them pay. This year, he can do that to help diversify the Buckeyes' offense and make life easier for Sayin. If he does, then he could be a crucial part of what should be another highly successful season in Columbus.
