The Buckeyes 2024 season is now done and dusted. Which was not only a testament to their squad’s exceptional talent but Ryan Day’s charismatic leadership. But, the victory parade is over, and the celebrations are dimming down. Now is the time for Ryan Day to build on his incredible season and keep his roster from being swayed from another program. And, while there is not a shred of doubt about Day’s negotiating abilities, there are still moves made underground that will worry him. So, how can Ryan Day keep his players in this NIL era?

Well, first and foremost, let’s talk about two of the best wide receivers of Day’s camp: Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. These two players not only exceeded all expectations but also ran havoc on the gridiron (especially Jeremiah). Who could forget Smith’s performance in the natty final, where seeing him making those incredible runs was breathtaking? He finished the game with 5 receptions for 88 receiving yards, including an incredible touchdown. The freshman wide receiver is widely touted as one of the favorites for the Heisman trophy in 2025. But what about Carnell Tate?

Well, he is also a talented player in making who although was number in 3 the pecking order for the Buckeyes’. But, still finished the season with 52 receptions for 733 yards. The numbers are incredible for a sophomore who wasn’t even the first or second choice for the wide receiver position. But, what if someone tells you that the Buckeyes’ could see these two players slipping from their grasp going into the 2025 season?

Well, something akin has been brewing behind the scenes in the transfer portal. ‘DJ The Sports Blerd‘ on YouTube had similar ideas about the two players. “Why would you leave the national championship team that you just won a championship with to go someplace else? It doesn’t make a ton of sense but when the money’s on the table and you’re 18, 19, 20, 21 years old and you have a chance to change the trajectory of your family, you have to at least consider these things. Because I think that they’re legitimate offers but that’s just me”. AJ Hawk, the former Buckeyes Linebacker, also added on to the speculation…

While speaking on the Pat McAfee show, the former linebacker said that he doesn’t necessarily believe that we will see the players leaving the Ohio State Camp. That is because, in his opinion, the Buckeyes are more than capable of matching any offer that a player receives. Furthermore, it also doesn’t make sense for a player to take a step back in his career and leave a championship-winning team. But what is the actual thing that has happened?

Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate’s future going forward

Well, both Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are widely reported in the media to have substantial offers on the table from a few unnamed programs. According to a report in On3 Sports, Smith has already received an offer that is almost worth $5 million. Mind you, all these negotiations are carried through backdoor channels without the player himself being listed in the transfer portal. However, Ohio State also responded to the speculation, “(Ohio) Is ready to do whatever it needs to keep Smith on the roster” (as per On3). But what about Tate?

Top Comment by Craig1buck

I hope the people advising the young men aren’t the same ones who were advising Maurice Clareett

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Debate

Carnell Tate is currently the second-choice WR in the team after the departure of Emeka Egbuka to the NFL draft. But, if reports are to be believed, he has received offers from other programs with a prospect of being the no. 1 WR on the team. Furthermore, On3’s Pete Nakos also reported that outside parties had tried to sway Tate with almost a million-dollar offer for him still on the table. So what’s the verdict?

Well, Ryan Day will absolutely pull all the strings to keep Smith on his roster for the next season. Because, after the departure of Will Howard and Judkins to the NFL draft he will be a very crucial piece in Day’s puzzle. As, for the future of Tate, we can just wait and watch how things will unfold.