Ohio State's Carnell Tate & Miami's Francis Mauigoa: IMG Academy to the NFL Draft

Leaving home to pursue a football career at the high school level requires a unique level of dedication. Back in 2021, uncertainty surrounding the Illinois high school football season prompted Chicago native Carnell Tate to transfer to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. That same program attracted offensive lineman Francis Manoa all the way from American Samoa, offering facilities and exposure rarely available to Polynesian athletes on the island.

Three and a half years after their time as prep teammates, both players have positioned themselves as projected first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Tate, who signed with Ohio State, developed into a premier deep-ball threat and versatile playmaker at IMG. He is now poised to join the impressive lineage of first-round wide receivers produced by the Buckeyes.

Manoa, a top-ten overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class who committed to Miami, brought a blue-collar, grinder mentality to the trenches. Known for his remarkable size, flexibility, and leadership by example, he never let his five-star rating diminish his work ethic. Today, he stands as arguably the top offensive line prospect in his draft class, proving that the leap of faith to attend IMG Academy paid off for both standout athletes.