Ohio State fans, if the 42-3 demolition of Minnesota last Saturday didn’t have you buzzing, Carnell Tate’s monster night sure did. The Chicago native torched the Gophers for 183 receiving yards on nine catches, including a 75-yard bomb that had the Horseshoe erupting. Paired with freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith’s quiet-but-deadly efficiency (five grabs for 92 yards and a score), it’s clear: The Buckeyes aren’t just loaded at wide receiver—they’re rewriting the script on what a WR room looks like in the modern game.
But here’s the million-dollar question that’s got Buckeye Nation (and the national media) debating: Is Carnell Tate as goodas Jeremiah Smith? Spoiler: It’s closer than you think, and together, they’re not just elite—they’re the best one-two punch in college football. Add in Ohio State’s factory-like production of NFL-ready talent, and it’s no wonder the scarlet and gray are staking their claim as the new Wide Receiver University (WRU). Let’s dive in.
Head-to-Head: Tate’s Explosiveness Meets Smith’s Polish
Jeremiah Smith entered 2025 as the undisputed alpha, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class who’s already living up to the hype. Through six games, the Miami Gardens, Fla., product has 28 receptions for 463 yards and a jaw-dropping sixtouchdowns, averaging 16.5 yards per catch. His game is a highlight reel: contested catches that defy physics, YAC (yards after catch) bursts that turn short slants into house calls, and a veteran-like route tree that makes him a mismatch nightmare. Smith’s not just producing—he’s elevating Ohio State’s offense, drawing double-teams that open up the field for everyone else. Analysts are already penciling him in as the Biletnikoff frontrunner, calling him “the hands-down favorite” for the award.
Enter Carnell Tate, the 6-foot-2 junior who’s been the perfect foil—and maybe even Smith’s equal in raw talent. Tate’s 2025 line? A scorching 24 catches for 435 yards and four scores, good for 18.1 yards per reception. That deep-threat ability shone brightest against Minnesota, where he averaged over 20 yards per catch and looked every bit the five-star phenom he was out of Illinois. Where Smith thrives on precision and physicality, Tate’s game is pure electricity: blistering speed on go routes, acrobatic sideline grabs, and a knack for turning screens into chunk plays. He’s got that “it” factor—think a young Chris Olave with more burner speed.
So, is Tate as good as Smith? In a vacuum, Smith’s touchdown production and consistency give him the edge (he’s scored in every game but one). But Tate’s per-catch efficiency and big-play rate (three 50+ yarders already) make it a dead heat. As one former NFL QB put it, praising Ohio State’s WR factory: “Emeka Egbuka is a STUD! Ohio St. is the new WRU.” Swap in Tate and Smith, and that praise fits double. They’re not just complementary; they’re symbiotic—Smith commands coverage, Tate exploits the seams. If this were a heavyweight bout, it’d go to a split decision, but for the Buckeyes? It’s a win-win.
The Best WR Duo in the Country: Unmatched Firepower
Forget the debates—stats don’t lie, and neither does the tape. Combined, Smith and Tate have hauled in 52 receptions for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns through six games, all while forcing defenses into impossible choices. That’s elite territory, outpacing even the hyped duos at LSU or Auburn. Ohio State’s pair isn’t just productive; they’re disruptive. Under freshman QB Julian Sayin, who’s slinging it like a vet, Tate and Smith have combined for over 40% of the Buckeyes’ receiving yards, turning a high-powered offense into an unstoppable machine.
What sets them apart from the pack? Versatility. Smith (6-3, 215 lbs) bullies corners in the red zone, while Tate (6-2, 195) stretches the field vertically—creating a chessboard where defenses can’t load up on either side. Compare that to Texas’ duo (Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden), which relies on speed but lacks Smith’s contested-catch prowess, or Oregon’s WRs, fun but inconsistent against top secondaries. Ohio State’s chemistry? Baked in from recruiting days, honed by WR guru Brian Hartline. This group “mix[es] star power and depth,” with Tate and Smith leading a room that includes vets like Emeka Egbuka (before his NFL jump) and rising stars like Quincy Porter.
In a season full of parity, this duo’s the X-factor. They’re why Ohio State’s 6-0, averaging 45 points per game, and why national pundits are already crowning them the top QB-WR tandem (Sayin-Tate/Smith). Best in the country? Abso-freaking-lutely.
Why Ohio State is The WRU: From Pipeline to Perfection
If there’s one program that turns high school studs into Sunday pros, it’s Ohio State—and 2025 is the coronation. The Buckeyes have churned out first-rounders like Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 4 overall, 2024), Emeka Egbuka (top-15, 2025), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks stud), with more on deck. Hartline’s system? It’s a lab for route-running mastery, contested-ball drills, and that intangible “Buckeye polish” that screams NFL readiness.
This year’s WRU label isn’t hype—it’s earned. In the annual “WRU Battle” against LSU (the old guard), Ohio State alums dominated Week 1 NFL action, with Egbuka torching secondaries and Harrison lighting up scoreboards. Back on campus, Tate and Smith’s seamless integration shows the pipeline’s humming: Depth from Mylan Graham and freshmen phenoms means no drop-off, just ascension. Ohio State isn’t just recruiting WRs—they’re building legends.
Final Snap: A Duo for the Ages
Tate might not quite eclipse Smith’s star power yet, but he’s closing the gap faster than a 4.3 sprinter. Together? They’re a nightmare duo that’s got Ohio State eyeing crystal footballs and Heismans. WRU isn’t a nickname—it’s a dynasty in the making.
Buckeye faithful, who’s your WR1? Tate’s fireworks or Smith’s reliability? Sound off below. And as always: O-H!
