The No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are preparing for a primetime matchup against UCLA this Saturday, largely near full strength, but the status of one of their most explosive playmakers, wide receiver Carnell Tate, remains officially uncertain.
Coach Ryan Day has played his cards close to the vest regarding Tate, who was held out of last week’s game against Purdue for precautionary reasons. While Day expressed optimism about his team’s overall health, he offered no definitive update on the star receiver, leaving his availability for the critical matchup in question.
Tate’s Precautionary Absence
Tate, one of the top receiving threats in the Big Ten, was a late scratch for the Purdue game after experiencing tightness during pregame warmups. Though he was dressed and went through drills, the coaching staff opted to sideline him entirely rather than risk a more serious injury.
Day confirmed the team’s medical staff did not feel comfortable clearing Tate, choosing to prioritize long-term health ahead of the pivotal final stretch of the regular season.
“We didn’t feel comfortable putting him out there,” Day said following the victory over Purdue. However, the coach has since declined to provide clarity on Tate’s status for the UCLA game, strategically holding back information. Given the Buckeyes’ wealth of receiving talent, including sophomore standout Jeremiah Smith, Day has the luxury of being cautious.
Banged-Up Offensive Line Trending Up
The news appears more encouraging for several members of the offensive line who have dealt with recent issues.
Day indicated that the coaching staff is “expecting a full week” of practice from two starting offensive linemen who either missed or were limited in the Purdue game:
- Phillip Daniels (Right Tackle): Daniels missed the previous game, though he traveled with the team. His expected return is a boost to the line’s stability.
- Joshua Padilla (Right Guard): Padilla, who has been in a rotation at right guard, is also expected to be a full participant in practice this week.
Fellow guards Tegra Tshabola and Luke Montgomery are also believed to be trending in the right direction after both were dealing with injuries coming out of the Penn State matchup earlier in the month.
With the Buckeyes entering the final weeks of their push for a national championship, regaining health on the offensive line and managing Tate’s minor ailment will be critical for maintaining their perfect record.
