As of March 14, 2025, two former Ohio State Buckeyes football players, cornerback Davison Igbinosun and wide receiver Carnell Tate, have committed to returning to the team for the upcoming seasons. While their decisions are not formal two-year contracts, their returns come with notable commitments that significantly impact the team’s dynamics.

Davison Igbinosun’s Return with a Leadership Commitment

Davison Igbinosun, a standout cornerback and two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention, has been a pivotal player for the Buckeyes since transferring from Ole Miss. In the 2024 season, he recorded nine pass break-ups, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery, contributing to Ohio State’s national championship victory. Despite being eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, Igbinosun chose to return for another season, aiming to elevate his draft stock and take on a more prominent leadership role within the team. He expressed his aspirations, stating, “I get the opportunity to lead and do it all over again, and have a bigger role as a leader, as more is going to be expected of me as a senior.”

Carnell Tate, a wide receiver who showed significant progress in his sophomore year, faced rumors about entering the transfer portal following the 2024 season. However, with the departure of key receiver Emeka Egbuka to the NFL Draft, Tate saw an opportunity to step up as a leading receiver for the Buckeyes. He decided to remain with Ohio State, anticipating an expanded role in the offense alongside star receiver Jeremiah Smith. Tate’s decision underscores his commitment to the team and his belief in the program’s direction.

While not bound by formal contracts, both Igbinosun and Tate’s returns come with implicit agreements to embrace enhanced leadership and performance expectations:

The return of these key players, coupled with their commitments to leadership and performance, positions Ohio State favorably for the upcoming seasons. Igbinosun’s experience and focus on reducing penalties are expected to enhance the defense’s reliability, while Tate’s anticipated increased role is set to invigorate the offense. These developments reflect a broader strategy within the program to cultivate internal leadership and retain talent, aligning with the team’s pursuit of sustained excellence.

In conclusion, the decisions by Davison Igbinosun and Carnell Tate to return to Ohio State, accompanied by their commitments to leadership and performance, underscore the program’s emphasis on player development and team cohesion. These moves are poised to significantly impact the Buckeyes’ competitiveness in the forthcoming seasons.