Tate was a playmaker for the Buckeyes, where he started 15 games for the school’s national championship team in 2024. Tate followed up that season with another big year, and after running a 4.53 at the NFL Combine, the waiting game began for the NFL Draft. It was just a matter of when he’d be picked.
Tate led the country with five receiving touchdowns with a throw depth of 40-plus yards in 2025, per Pro Football Focus. Per PFF, he also led the Big 10 with six receiving touchdowns on contested targets.
During the pre-draft process, Tate made a visit to Nashville to meet with the Titans, when he had lunch with quarterback Cam Ward and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
“I talked to Cam, a great conversation with G-Lew (receivers coach Greg Lewis), Brian Daboll, Coach (Robert) Saleh,” Tate said. “It was great.
“G-Lew is my guy. … I chopped it up with Cam a little bit, too, he just wished me well. I was able to sit down with him during lunch, and also coach Daboll. He believes in his guys, and he ultimately believes in me. I am thankful for him, and he is a great OC, great play-caller.”
Tate hopes to make a difference in Tennessee, alongside Ward and others.
Tate is scheduled to fly to Nashville on Friday morning, and he’ll be introduced at a press conference on Friday afternoon.
“I know Cam is one of the elite quarterbacks in the league,” Tate said, “and he’s only continuing to get better.
“I’m looking forward to (the next step). I’m looking forward to going out there and making plays and helping the organization.”