Ohio State All-American receiver taken No. 4 overall by Tennessee in 2026 to be Cam Ward's top target.
Carnell Tate was the consensus WR1 in the 2026 draft class and the Tennessee Titans' unanimous choice at No. 4. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Ohio State All-American recorded nine touchdowns in his final college season - five on plays of 40-plus yards - and brings the contested-catch and downfield ability the Titans' passing game has lacked.
Path to the league
Ohio State product taken 4th overall by Tennessee in 2026, the highest wide receiver selection since the position reset at the top of recent drafts. His position coach at Ohio State, Brian Hartline, previously worked alongside Titans OC Brian Daboll, which gave Tennessee familiarity with Tate's technique and tendencies before the draft.
College profile
Nine touchdowns in 2025, five on 40-plus-yard plays. All-American. Won in man coverage and handled the contested-catch role as Ohio State's primary receiver. His frame (6-3, 195) gives him a catch radius that college corners couldn't match and that Tennessee expects to translate immediately against NFL corners.
Sources
- ESPN: Titans say Carnell Tate was perfect fit for Cam Ward
- NFL.com: 2026 NFL Draft - Carnell Tate
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- Ohio State
- Hometown
- Chicago, IL, USA
- Age
- 21
- Status
- active
Latest news about Carnell Tate
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Worst to first, ranked: the Lions are the clear bet, and it's not close
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Tennessee's second-year quarterback and his new offensive coordinator are clicking early. Daboll's plan is to construct the offense around Ward's comfort, not the other way around.
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Titans: Carnell Tate was the only call at No. 4
Tennessee had premium defensive options on the board and still picked the Ohio State receiver. GM Mike Borgonzi said it was 'a very easy decision.' Cam Ward agrees.
