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The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are facing an unexpected challenge in West Lafayette as superstar wide receiver Carnell Tate has been held out of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers.
Tate, a dynamic playmaker who entered the game as the team's second-leading receiver, and a crucial downfield threat, has not taken the field today despite being dressed and with his helmet on the sideline. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said that Tate will not take the field today after sitting out the first half.
Here's what to know about Tate's absence in West Lafayette.
MORE: Why Carnell Tate isn't playing today so far for Ohio State vs. Purdue
What happened to Carnell Tate?
Tate did not start against Purdue and observers noted his absence from the opening drive, though he was suited up on the sideline and appeared to be smiling and cheering on his team. The reason for his limited participation was not immediately made official.
Later in the game, it was reported that Tate has been kept out as a precautionary measure.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate has been sidelined today against Purdue out of caution.
Per broadcast, he was tight during warmups. https://t.co/PFq5XRLlN4
With Ohio State facing a 2-7 Purdue team, Tate's health is the main priority.
MORE: Ohio State becomes first No. 1 opponent for Purdue in 35 years
Carnell Tate stats
Tate has finally become the dominant playmaker many predicted, enjoying a significant breakout season for No. 1 Ohio State in 2025.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
| Aug 30 | vs. Texas | W 14-7 | 2 | 49 | 1 |
| Sep 6 | vs. Grambling | W 70-0 | 5 | 69 | 1 |
| Sep 13 | vs. Ohio | W 37-9 | 5 | 101 | 1 |
| Sep 27 | @ Washington | W 24-6 | 3 | 33 | 0 |
| Oct 4 | vs. Minnesota | W 42-3 | 9 | 183 | 1 |
| Oct 11 | @ Illinois | W 34-16 | 4 | 41 | 0 |
| Oct 18 | @ Wisconsin | W 34-0 | 6 | 111 | 2 |
| Nov 1 | vs. Penn State | W 38-14 | 5 | 124 | 1 |
| SEASON TOTAL | (8 Games) | 8-0 | 39 | 711 | 7 |
Despite being a highly touted prospect who was part of the wide receiver rotation his first two seasons — including catching 52 passes for 733 yards as the third receiver on the national championship team in 2024 — this year marks his definitive ascension to star status. Tate has effectively doubled his touchdown total from last season in just eight games and is now a critical threat who commands attention from opposing defenses, demonstrated by a career-high 183 yards on nine catches against Minnesota.
Tate entered the year somewhat overshadowed by teammate Jeremiah Smith, but he has quickly achieved stardom in his own right, forcing defenses to pick their poison when covering the Buckeyes' receiving corps. Ohio State's coaches and teammates have praised Tate for his exceptional work ethic, recognizing that his production is the reward for the hard work he put in even when he wasn't receiving the majority of targets in previous season.
MORE: Ohio State’s Carnell Tate drawing first-round buzz a year ahead of Jeremiah Smith
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