Eric Boggs
For Ohio State fans, there’s nothing sweeter than a win—but when it comes with a story as inspiring as Carnell Tate’s, it becomes unforgettable. The sophomore wide receiver returned to his hometown of Chicago for Saturday’s matchup against Northwestern at Wrigley Field and delivered a performance that will be talked about for years.
Ryan Day set the tone earlier in the week, emphasizing the importance of this game for Tate. “I just have so much respect for who he is as a person, what he’s been through, and the fact that he’s going back to Chicago,” Day said during his radio show. “I want to win this game personally for him. I know this team respects the fact that he’s going home, and it means a lot to him.”
And win they did. Behind Tate’s standout performance, the Buckeyes overcame a sluggish start to secure a 31-7 victory over the Wildcats.
The moment wasn’t lost on Tate, who played with the weight of his journey on his shoulders. His mother, Ashley Griggs, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Chicago in July 2023. While she could only be there in spirit, over 30 family members and friends—including his father, grandmother, and sister—packed the stands to support him.
“It was a lot of high emotions,” Tate said postgame. “The biggest thing was being back in front of my family. They expected a lot, but I just had to let the game come to me. When the ball found its way, I had to make it count.”
And make it count he did. Tate opened the scoring for Ohio State with a spectacular 14-yard diving catch, setting up the team’s first touchdown. He followed it up with a 25-yard diving grab for his own touchdown in the second quarter, then added an 8-yard score to open the second half. Tate finished the day with four catches for 52 yards and the first two-touchdown game of his career.
Quarterback Will Howard couldn’t hide his admiration. “So proud of that kid, man. Coming home to his city, given all he’s been through, and then having the game he had? I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s one of my favorite guys on this team, and he lifts everyone’s spirits every day.”
Teammate Sonny Styles echoed the sentiment, calling Tate’s performance a testament to his resilience. “He’s overcome so much that not many people could. To see him shine like this shows who he is as a person.”
Tate’s two-touchdown game punctuated what has already been a breakout sophomore campaign. With 31 catches for 457 yards and four scores this season, he’s proving to be an invaluable weapon for the Buckeyes. Cornerback Jordan Hancock didn’t mince words: “That dude’s a real ball player. He could easily be one of the top receivers in the country. He works, he’s confident, and he’s just going to keep getting better.”
While the Buckeyes’ offense stumbled early, trailing 7-0 in the second quarter, Tate’s energy ignited the turnaround. His first touchdown helped level the score, and his second put Ohio State firmly in control. From there, the Buckeyes never looked back, dominating the second half to seal the win.
For Day and the team, this victory was about more than just football. “Carnell’s been through so much, and he doesn’t let it show every day. But we know, and we care deeply about him,” Day said. “To see him score two touchdowns in his hometown, in front of his family, means everything to us.”
With Northwestern in the rearview mirror, Ohio State now turns its attention to next week’s matchup against a top-five Indiana team. The stakes are high, with College Football Playoff implications and Big Ten supremacy on the line.
But for one day, the Buckeyes—and especially their fans—celebrated a win that was bigger than football. Carnell Tate reminded everyone what it means to persevere, excel, and shine, no matter the challenges. For Ohio State Nation, his performance wasn’t just a highlight of the season—it was a reminder of why we cheer for these players and their journeys.
