In 2016, at only 17 years old, Tate started his college career as a true freshman at Arizona. He became the first true freshman to start a game at Arizona since Willie Tuitama in 2005.[2] Tate played in seven games and made one start. In his debut against UCLA, Tate completed five of nine passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 79 yards on 15 carries.[5] Two weeks later he made his first career start against USC and completed seven of 18 passes for 58 yards with an interception and added 72 rushing yards and a touchdown.[6] For the season, Tate completed 18 of 45 passes for 243 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and rushed for 237 yards over 49 carries with one touchdown.
Tate entered his sophomore season in 2017 as the backup to Brandon Dawkins. When Dawkins went down with an injury early against Colorado Tate relieved him for the remainder of the game. During the game, he rushed for an FBS quarterback-record 327 yards, breaking the previous record of 321 held by Jordan Lynch.[7][8] Following his performance, Tate was awarded the Pac-12 Offensive player of the week and would be named starting quarterback. He would follow up his opening performance with wins over UCLA, Cal, and Washington St. eventually being named Pac-12 Offensive player of the week for four consecutive weeks – setting a conference record.[9]
Tate entered his senior season as the full-time starter for the Wildcats. They made their season debut against Hawaii, narrowly losing 38–45. Tate completed 22 of 39 attempts for 361 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
On April 26, 2020, the Philadelphia Eagles signed Tate as an undrafted free agent with the intention of converting him to wide receiver.[11] He was waived on July 20, 2020.[12] On January 13, 2021, Tate signed a reserve/futures contract with the Eagles.[13] He was waived on June 9, 2021.[14]
Tate returned to the Elks on March 21, 2023.[19] On May 28, 2023, he was released by the Elks as part of the training camp roster cuts.[20] The Elks brought Tate back on June 27, 2023.[21]