Ohio State Loses Tate and Smith for Rutgers Game Ahead of Michigan Showdown
Nov, 23 2025
One week before the most important game of the season, the Ohio State Buckeyes are without their two most dangerous weapons. Star wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith sat out Ohio State’s 42-9 win over Rutgers University Scarlet Knights on November 22, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, both sidelined by lower-body injuries. Neither injury is believed to be season-ending — both are listed as day-to-day — but their absence sent a ripple through the offense, exposing just how much the Buckeyes rely on this dynamic duo. The timing couldn’t be worse. The University of Michigan Wolverines await next Saturday, and without Tate and Smith, the path to breaking a four-game losing streak in the rivalry looks far more treacherous.
How the Injuries Happened
Carnell Tate first felt tightness during pregame warmups before the November 8 game at Purdue University. Head coach Ryan Day said afterward that Tate "probably could have played," but the staff opted to rest him. "We have a lot of football ahead of us," Day explained. It was a cautious move — and one that now looks prescient. Tate missed three straight games, his last action coming on November 1 against Penn State, where he caught five passes for 124 yards and a touchdown.Jeremiah Smith’s issue surfaced differently. He was already questionable entering the November 15 game against UCLA, but he played only three series before limping off at halftime. When asked if he aggravated an old injury, Day replied, "Not that I know of." That’s standard Ohio State protocol: no injury details until the official game-day report. But fans noticed. Teammates noticed. And analysts are now connecting dots.
The Offensive Impact
Without Tate and Smith, the Buckeyes’ passing game looked like a car missing two cylinders. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for just 157 yards against Rutgers — a sharp drop from his 300+ yard averages when both receivers are healthy. Compare that to the UCLA game, where Smith exited early: Sayin completed 8-of-14 passes for 46 yards. That’s 3.3 yards per attempt. A disaster.
Meanwhile, the rest of the receiving corps — Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers, and Mylan Graham — have combined for 128 catches, 1,182 yards, and nine touchdowns this season. Tate and Smith alone? 108 catches, 1,613 yards, and 17 touchdowns. That’s more than half the team’s receiving yards and nearly two-thirds of its receiving touchdowns. This isn’t depth. This is a two-man engine driving a 10-0 machine.
Who’s Back? Who’s Not?
There’s one bright spot: Joshua Padilla, the right guard, returned after missing three weeks with a knee issue. And freshman running back Anthony "Turbo" Rogers is back too, giving the offense more balance. But the passing game? That’s where the concern lives. Freshman wideout Quincy Porter also sat out against Rutgers, leaving the Buckeyes with barely enough bodies to run routes.
Coach Day has been famously tight-lipped about injuries. He won’t confirm anything until Saturday morning of game day. But the chatter around the program tells a different story. "Smith’s birthday is November 29," one insider told Scarlet and Game. "He’ll need to be dragged off the field to not play in that game." The sentiment is widely shared. Smith loves The Game. He thrives on it. He’s the kind of player who plays through pain — and maybe even thrives on it.
Tate’s Future Hangs in the Balance
But Tate? That’s a different story. He’s a former five-star recruit, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, and a player who’s missed three straight games with what’s been described as "tightness." If he doesn’t play against Michigan, the whispers will grow louder: Is he protecting his draft stock? Is he mentally checked out? Is this the end of his Ohio State career?
It’s not just about the game. It’s about legacy. Tate was supposed to be the next great Buckeye receiver. But if he sits out the biggest game of the year — the one that defines a program — people will remember that. And if he’s not cleared by Saturday, his time in Columbus may be over before it ever truly began.
What’s Next? The Michigan Factor
The Buckeyes enter the Michigan game as the No. 1 team in the nation. They’ve outscored opponents by 30 points per game. But they’ve never beaten Michigan since 2021. The Wolverines are hungry. They’ve got a ferocious defense. And they know Ohio State’s offense looks different without Tate and Smith.
Day won’t say a word until Saturday morning. But the clock is ticking. The team’s medical staff is working overtime. The players are watching. The fans are holding their breath. And for the first time in years, the outcome of this rivalry might hinge less on strategy — and more on whether two young men can walk onto the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How critical are Tate and Smith to Ohio State’s offense?
Extremely. Together, they’ve accounted for 108 catches, 1,613 yards, and 17 touchdowns this season — nearly 58% of the team’s receiving yards and 65% of its receiving touchdowns. Without them, quarterback Julian Sayin’s average yards per attempt drops from 9.1 to under 4.0, making the offense one-dimensional and predictable.
Why is Jeremiah Smith expected to play against Michigan despite his injury?
Because November 29 is his birthday, and he’s known for playing through pain in high-stakes games. Teammates and analysts say he thrives in The Game, and there’s a strong belief he’ll be on the field regardless of physical limitations. His competitive nature overrides typical injury protocols.
What does Carnell Tate’s absence say about his future with Ohio State?
If Tate sits out the Michigan game, it could signal the end of his tenure. As a top NFL draft prospect, skipping the rivalry game might be seen as prioritizing professional interests over team loyalty. Fans and media will question his commitment, potentially damaging his legacy and draft stock if he’s perceived as disengaged.
How has Ohio State’s offense changed without Tate and Smith?
The offense has slowed dramatically. Against Rutgers, Julian Sayin threw for only 157 yards — his lowest total since September. The team ran the ball more, but without the threat of deep passes, defenses loaded the box. The Buckeyes scored 42 points, but only two touchdowns came through the air — a stark contrast to their usual explosive attack.
Is this the first time Ohio State has lost key receivers before Michigan?
No. In 2020, both Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson missed the Michigan game due to injury, and Ohio State lost 29-23. That game shifted the momentum of the rivalry. This year’s situation echoes that moment — but with even higher stakes, as the Buckeyes are undefeated and aiming to end a four-game losing streak.
What’s at stake for Ohio State if they lose to Michigan?
A loss would likely end their national championship hopes and could drop them out of the top two in the final College Football Playoff rankings. More importantly, it would extend their losing streak to five games against Michigan — the longest in the series since the 1970s — and intensify scrutiny on Coach Day’s program ahead of a critical offseason.