Caleb Downs, the top-ranked player in the transfer portal who left Alabama, is acquired by Ohio State.
Security The top-ranked player in the NCAA transfer portal, Caleb Downs, has pledged to Ohio State. According to Gary Downs, his father, he would enroll at Ohio State. As a high school senior last year, Downs selected Alabama as the No. 6 overall player in the 247Sports composite rankings, ahead of Ohio State, Georgia, and Notre Dame. In addition to being selected as a second-team All-SEC selection, he was named the national Freshman of the Year by the Football Writers Association of America and the Freshman of the Year by the Southeastern Conference.
With 107 tackles in the previous season, 6-foot-3 and 203-pound Downs led the Crimson Tide in tackle totals. In addition to forcing a fumble, he had two interceptions and returned a punt for a touchdown. The native of Hoschton, Georgia, Downs registered on the transfer portal after Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban announced his retirement. With the hiring of Travaris Robinson, Downs’ Alabama position coach by the Bulldogs, it was widely anticipated that Downs would enroll at Georgia. But now he’s a Buckeye instead. Downs reportedly had an in-home visit with Ohio State coaches on Thursday, and that obviously worked in Downs’ favor.
Along with Alabama center Seth McLaughlin, All-SEC running back Quinshon Judkins, and quarterback Will Howard, Downs is Ohio State’s fourth significant transfer addition. Along with returning starters Lathan Ransom and Sonny Styles, Downs will bolster a safety unit. Josh Proctor, a sixth-year senior who had a breakout final season as a Buckeye, graduated. In addition, Ohio State held onto several defensive prospects who qualified for the NFL draft, such as linemen Tyleik Williams, Jack Sawyer, and J.T. Tuimoloau. In 2023, the Buckeyes allowed just 11.2 points per game.
