Ohio State football: Latest commitments help reload at receiver

“We don’t rebuild, we reload,” is a phrase often overused by fans. Usually, it rings quite hollow and is just so much chirping from someone riding a successful team’s bandwagon. Considering the Buckeyes received commitments from three of the top ten receivers in the 2023 class this week, Ohio State football fans have every right to exclaim, “WE DON’T REBUILD, WE RELOAD!!”…at least at receiver.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba will almost certainly leave for the NFL after this season. 2022 is Kamryn Babb’s last season of eligibility. I don’t doubt others at this position will leave via the transfer portal and there is always the possibility of a retirement due to injury. When the trio of Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Noah Rogers join the program next year, there is a good possibility the Buckeyes aren’t just reloading at receiver, they’re becoming more talented.

Here is a look at the three newest Ohio State commits:

Carnell Tate – The Buckeyes outdueled Notre Dame and Tennessee to land the nation’s number three receiver. He’s described by many as a playmaker and handles zone or man coverage equally well. Right now, he’s 6’2” and 185 pounds, so he should be able to add weight to that frame and his speed will improve as well once he gets to OSU. Big hands and excellent body control allow him to make difficult catches. There is a good possibility he could play early on special teams.

Brandon Inniss – He de-committed from Oklahoma when Lincoln Riley took the head coaching job at USC and decided to not follow him there. The nation’s number two receiver is considered the best route runner in the 2023 recruiting class. He has quick feet, makes sharp cuts, and has good hands.

After the catch, he is not afraid to lower his shoulder and run over a defender-some describe him simply as mean. Multiple people see him being as college-ready as any receiver you’ll see. He could push for regular playing time early as a true freshman next season.

Noah Rogers – The North Carolina native is the number nine receiver nationally, but to read what some have to say you’d think he should be rated higher. Longtime Ohio recruiting expert Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts said he is the most talented prospect to come out of that state in ten years. Unlike Tate and Inniss, Rogers is a true burner who can stretch a defense and get behind it. He’s also big (6’2”, 180 pounds) and athletic. This is what Kurelic had to say about him,

"I see Rogers as someone that can come in and compete for reps for the Buckeyes in his first year – he is that talented – and challenge for a starting job by his second season at the latest. I see him as a big-time threat for the Buckeyes. I also see Rogers as a strong candidate to be a three-and-done guy for the Buckeyes and a future first-round NFL draft choice."

Lofty praise from a guy who has scouted a ton of prospects in his time as a recruiting analyst. As recently as just the other day, some experts felt Rogers was leaning toward North Carolina State. He’s a great addition to this OSU class.

Let’s not forget the Buckeyes have had a fourth wide receiver committed since mid-April. Bryson Rodgers, a four-star prospect, is from Florida, but lived in Ohio for a bit, is a lifelong Ohio State football fan, and considers himself an “Ohio boy” at heart. I like this kid already.

The Buckeyes are not just rebuilding the receiver room, they’re reloading, and they’re reloading with an exceptional haul of talent.