With NFL offseason and 2026 NFL Draft chatter ramping up, it’s time to start discussing which wide receiver prospects have the most appeal for fantasy football. Ohio State WR Carnell Tate figures to be in that group and is expected go in the first round of the draft in April. Matt Harmon was joined by Nate Tice to discuss Tate’s NFL player comps and outlook on the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast.
The two analysts start by rattling off plenty of lofty player comparisons for Tate, who just wrapped up his junior season for the Buckeyes. It’s easy to point to other former Ohio State wide receivers who have found success in the NFL and Chris Olave is the first name that came to mind when looking at Tate.
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Other names that have been thrown around include George Pickens, Calvin Ridley and DeVonta Smith. Pretty good company. Harmon points out that if you’re getting all these great comps, you’re probably good at a bunch of different things. But while Tate has plenty of appeal as an NFL receiver, is he a true No. 1 at the next level?
Tice doesn’t really see it that way. He views Tate as more of a high-end No. 2 wide receiver. Tate is very good against zone because of his catch range and his QB, Julian Sayin, didn’t do him any favors in 2025. Tice still views Tate as “friendly” to him as a prospect and thinks the wideout will go in the first round.
Harmon really likes Tate as a perimeter receiver and would like to see him land with the New Orleans Saints alongside Olave and QB Tyler Shough, with Kellen Moore calling plays. Tate is a guy Harmon would comfortably take in the top-10 in the draft.
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Tate was solid in his junior season at Ohio State despite the Buckeyes losing in the College Football Playoff. He finished with 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, operating as the No. 2 option behind fellow wideout Jeremiah Smith.