When Ohio State recruited defensive back ‘Downs’ from Alabama on Friday, it took the college football world by surprise. Though many anticipated that Downs would sign with the Georgia Bulldogs, he ended up giving the Buckeyes maybe the finest transfer option available through the portal. Social media was ablaze with responses in response to Downs’ decision, many of which came from former or present Buckeyes.
Former Ohio State standout and current New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson said the announcement “made (his) night.” “Caleb wins! Oh, dawg, you made my night. Wilson tweeted, “#GoBucks.” Kirk Herbstreit, a well-known college football analyst and former Ohio State quarterback, said, “Wow!” “Whoa!” Herbstreit sent out a tweet. “Caleb is incredibly gifted, but even more impressive is how wise and mature he is for a young player. appeared as though he had been there for years when he entered as a genuine freshman last year. Fantastic victory for the Buckeyes.” In response to Downs’ pledge, Ohio State 2024 offensive tackle recruit Deontae Armstrong hinted that the Buckeyes would be making additional roster changes. Armstrong tweeted, “The crazy part is, we’re not even halfway done yet.”
Following the Crimson Tide’s 27-20 overtime loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the 2023 Rose Bowl, Downs declared his intention to transfer. The Georgia Bulldogs were among the elite programs that showed interest in the freshman.
According to early predictions, Downs would become a bulldog and return to his original state. Hoschton, the hometown of Downs, is located about forty-three minutes southeast of Athens, the home of the University of Georgia.
During his debut season in the collegiate football league, Downs made a big impression. Downs participated in all 14 of Alabama’s games this season, totaling 107 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Since the Wolverines defeated the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl, there has been a tremendous exodus of talent from the team. Since the final whistle of that game, nine players—including offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin, linebacker Kendrick Blackshire, and receiver Malik Benson—have accessed the transfer site.
McLaughlin will be joining Downs at Ohio State for the upcoming season, while Blackshire will remain with the Texas Longhorns. Last Monday, Benson made his commitment to the Florida State Seminoles.
The Buckeyes’ offseason performance has been outstanding. A defensive team that already has elite returners like defensive end Jack Sawyer, linebacker Cody Simon, and edger J.T. Tuimoloau now has Downs as a member.
Regarding position, Downs will be surrounded in the defensive secondary by Sonny Styles, Lathan Ransom, and cornerback Denzel Burke.
Former wide receiver for Alabama Caleb Downs Agrees to Join Ohio State After Nick Saban’s retirement, Downs is just one of several Alabama players to join the portal, but he may be the greatest of them all. This past year, in his first year of college, he recorded 107 total tackles (70 solo), one forced fumble, three interceptions, and three passes defensed. With four punt returns for 87 yards and a touchdown, he was also a threat on special teams. His only productive return was an 85-yarder that led to a touchdown in Alabama’s victory over Chattanooga.
