Ohio State Football Status Report: Carnell Tate will not start vs. Iowa

When Ryan Day said Wednesday he expected defensive tackle Tyleik Williams to return against Iowa, it looked like Ohio State would finally have all 22 starters locked and loaded when it faced the Hawkeyes. But the Buckeyes could be without a starter after all.

While Williams is available, starting wide receiver Carnell Tate is questionable against Iowa, according to the Buckeyes' status report.

Tate's played alongside Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith in the first four games of 2024. He has 14 receptions for 219 yards and one touchdown, all third on the team behind the aforementioned duo. He rushed for at least 45 yards in every contest and was a physical perimeter blocker.

If Tate is unable to suit up for the Buckeyes, it will likely mean the first career start for his classmate and close friend Brandon Inniss. Inniss is considered the fourth man in Ohio State's receiver rotation and will likely open in the slot while Emeka Egbuka slides to the outside when Tate doesn't play.

Inniss, a five-star prospect from the class of 2023, has impressed as a punt returner this season with 106 yards on 11 returns – already more than the 75 punt return yards the Buckeyes had last year. The Florida product also has five receptions for 63 yards off the bench.

Bryson Rodgers, a sophomore from Ohio State University, is fifth behind Inniss in snaps at wide receiver this season and could also see increased playing time if Tate doesn't play, as could redshirt junior Jayden Ballard and redshirt sophomore Kojo Antwi .

Williams' return means Ohio State will have all 11 starters available on defense for the second time this season. Linebacker Cody Simon missed the Buckeyes' season opener and Williams is back after missing games three and four.

Ohio State and Iowa begin at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.