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Star Ohio State WR Issues Clear Statement on Transfer Rumors After National Championship
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes are now over a month removed from capturing their first national championship since the 2014 season. While the celebration continued throughout the last four weeks, the focus has now shifted to next season, with the team positioning itself as a serious contender once again.

Head coach Ryan Day has had to make significant coaching moves after losing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles this offseason. However, he has now replaced them, and while there are some question marks on the roster, the talent is undeniable at every position.

One area where the Buckeyes stand out above every other team in the country is at wide receiver, with Jeremiah Smith set to return for his sophomore season. Yet, another name that continues to fly under the radar, despite all the transfer speculation surrounding him this offseason, is junior Carnell Tate. 

During an interview with 10TV sports anchor and reporter Adam King, Tate expressed his excitement about former wide receiver coach Brian Hartline stepping into the role of offensive coordinator. He also mentioned that he wasn’t sure where the rumors about him leaving the program originated from.

"The plan was never for me to leave," Tate revealed. "I don't know where that came from or where it started. I bleed Ohio State."

Carnell Tate shared the field last season with Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, forming what was debatably the best trio in college football. With Egbuka now headed to the NFL, Tate steps into the clear No. 2 spot at wide receiver.

Tate finished the season with 52 receptions for 733 yards, four touchdowns, an average of 14.1 yards per catch, and 48.9 yards per game for the Buckeyes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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