CHICAGO — The return of Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate to his hometown was marked by a standout performance, as he recorded two touchdown catches in a matchup against Northwestern at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

This game was particularly poignant for Tate, as it was his first return to Chicago since the tragic loss of his mother, Ashley Griggs, who was fatally shot in a drive-by incident in July 2023.

In the closing moments of the first half, with Ohio State facing a second-and-8 situation at the Northwestern 25-yard line, quarterback Will Howard spotted Tate and delivered a well-placed pass. The 6-foot-3 sophomore skillfully executed a diving catch in the end zone, marking his third touchdown of the season.

Tate further contributed to his team’s success by catching an 8-yard touchdown pass during the Buckeyes’ opening drive of the second half, which concluded a rapid five-play, 90-yard series, extending Ohio State’s lead to 28-7. Additionally, his determination was on display when he made a challenging 14-yard reception over the middle, which helped set up the Buckeyes’ opening touchdown of the second quarter.

Raised in Chicago, Tate attended Marist High School for one year, located roughly 25 miles from Wrigley Field, before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. In his freshman season at Ohio State, he recorded 18 receptions totaling 264 yards and added one touchdown to his resume.

This eventful afternoon not only showcased Tate’s skills on the field but also represented a significant and emotional milestone in his personal journey.