Ohio State’s NFL pipeline is already making noise in training camp, and a few former Buckeyes are wasting no time showing why they were such hot commodities.
Carnell Tate, the fourth overall pick in April, has been the early headliner in Tennessee. The Titans are clearly pleased with what they’re seeing, and Tate has backed up the draft-day investment with a run of strong catches in camp. His latest grab drew plenty of attention:
Hibachi Tate pic.twitter.com/1w2CuwMqU8
- Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 9, 2026
Tate’s production at Ohio State told part of the story before he ever got to the NFL. Last season, he caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games, flashing the kind of playmaking ability that can change a game when he’s healthy. That same burst is showing up early in Tennessee.
He’s not the only former Buckeye turning heads. Caleb Downs, who was Tate’s teammate last season, has been drawing rave reviews in Dallas and looks like a major value so far. The clips show him making plays in coverage and shutting down receivers, and he added another eye-catching moment when he beat CeeDee Lamb in an end-zone one-on-one rep.
Caleb Downs with the 1-on-1 win on CeeDee in the end zone pic.twitter.com/B3DwmvI84M
- Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) August 9, 2026
That kind of win stands out no matter the setting, and especially when it comes against one of the Cowboys’ top weapons.
Josh Simmons has also made a strong impression in Kansas City after fully recovering from the knee injury that sidelined him for the final stretch of Ohio State’s 2024 season. He also missed time with a personal issue last year in Kansas City, but that appears to be behind him now. The Chiefs’ left tackle is looking like he could settle in as Patrick Mahomes’ blind-side protector for a long time.
Chiefs LT Josh Simmons chose violence this morning. pic.twitter.com/JD2cQOoK1M
- Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) August 8, 2026
While those former Buckeyes are flashing at the next level, Ohio State still has a loaded roster of its own. The Buckeyes are ranked No. 1 in the country by the coaches, and even though replacing Tate and Downs won’t be simple, the staff likes its options at receiver and safety.
The next few weeks will be about getting ready for Week 1, when Ball State comes to town. The bigger test arrives in Week 2 against Texas, a matchup Ohio State has its eyes on as it tries to make it three straight wins over the Longhorns.
In Other News...
Ohio State May Have Found A Surprise Answer In This Camp Battle
Carnell Tates departure for the NFL opened a real job in Ohio States receiving corps, even with Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss back in the fold. The Buckeyes also added UTSA transfer Devin McCuin, a veteran target who posted 65 catches for 726 yards and eight touchdowns over three seasons and arrived with a chance to help stabilize the rotation as camp got underway.
Early preseason work has only added to the intrigue around the battle behind Ohio States established names. McCuin has already started to look like a player worth watching in a room that still has room for another dependable option, and the first few practices have given the staff a glimpse of how quickly he might fit into the offense. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio States 2028 Recruiting Run Might Not Be Done Yet
Ohio States 2028 recruiting start already looks imposing, with three five-star commits in the class and quarterback Christopher Vargas headlining the group. The Buckeyes have also put themselves in strong position with a couple of other elite prospects who have shown real interest, giving the class a chance to grow from impressive to overwhelming before the cycle gets much older.
Wide receiver Braylon Clark and defensive lineman Tyzon Swann both fit the kind of national-caliber talent Ohio State tends to chase, and both have drawn multiple offers as their recruitments heat up. For now, the Buckeyes are still waiting to see how far that early momentum can carry, but the signs suggest the run may not be finished just yet. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Fall Camp Is Heating Up Behind Two Key Starters
With fall camp underway and the opener against Ball State drawing closer, Ohio State is sorting through a few early-decision spots before the season begins. The Buckeyes are still managing the ripple effects of spring injuries, and that has opened the door for some of the younger skill players to make their case as the staff starts lining up the depth chart.
At running back, Isaiah West and Bo Jackson both missed spring while dealing with shoulder injuries, but West has been getting the early first-team work while Jackson has four weeks to push for the job. Ryan Day has already pointed to Wests offseason as a strong one, and the same kind of internal competition is playing out at receiver, where Jeremiah Smith looks set as the top target and Brandon Inniss, Chris Henry Jr. and transfer McCuin are battling for the next spot. [Read more 🡒]