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S Caleb Downs (All B1G, All-American, National Champion)

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Skull Session: Ohio State Must “Reset” After Its National Title, David Pollack Calls Caleb Downs “A Different Bird” and Sports Have Countless “Unbreakable” Records

Ohio State must "reset" after its national title, David Pollack calls Caleb Downs "a different bird" and sports have countless "unbreakable" records.
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“HE’S A DIFFERENT BIRD.” Speaking of Downs, the All-American defensive back received high praise from a College Football Hall of Famer last week.



“He’s a different bird. We’ve known that from the jump. Last year at our golf tournament, him and his dad came and played. He read a book while he played. He’s not a typical kid. This dude is very hyper-focused on what he wants to be—”

“Dialed into greatness,” Pollack’s podcast co-host Brent Rollins interrupted.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s not into the messing around,” Pollack continued. “And then you watch him play and you see that, too. It’s no nonsense. It’s not about the celebrations and the dancing; it’s about winning. He had a big part in why (Ohio State’s national title) happened. He’s been trained, but I think he’s been trained by his daddy super well, and I think he’s been raised unbelievable. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, an edge to him and a brain capacity that’s – he’s just special. He’s one of those guys who’s gonna go in the NFL right away and be great, and he’s gonna be great for a long time and probably have a Hall of Fame career because he’s just that kind of guy.”
 
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WAY, WAY, WAY TOO EARLY. Moments after the 2025 NFL draft ended, Pro Football Focus ranked its top prospects available in 2026. That list started with unanimous All-American Caleb Downs at No. 1 overall.

Downs, who transferred from Alabama last offseason, has been the most valuable safety in college football over the past two seasons, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average (WAA) metric. His 91.7 overall PFF grade in that span is second among all FBS safeties, while his 91.2 PFF coverage grade is third. Downs is also a fantastic run defender, leading all players on this list with 35 run-defense stops and an 88.5 PFF run-defense grade since 2023. Downs is an incredibly versatile player who can thrive at free safety, slot corner or in the box. Not to mention, he’s also a dynamic punt returner.
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No arguments there.

While I don’t believe Downs will be the No. 1 overall pick in 2026, considering teams often use the selection to draft a quarterback, left tackle or defensive end, he should be the first prospect off the board. Downs can do whatever, wherever. He can cover. He can run. He can tackle. He can do it all. Like, I’m convinced that if a coach wanted him to be the team’s quarterback, he could do it. That’s how impressive he is!
 
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“IT WAS A BLESSING.” Cleveland.com’s Stefan Krajisnik took readers inside Caleb Downs’ offseason as an EA Sports College Football 26 (deluxe edition) cover star and “his drive for more with Ohio State football.”

There was much to appreciate in the article, which details Downs’ passion for golf, his claim that Sonny Styles is the team’s biggest trash talker and more. The main appeal, however, was Downs’ appearance with Ryan Day and Jeremiah Smith on the College Football 26 cover.


“At the end of the day, in 15-20 years, I can tell my son, tell my daughter, that’s your dad on the cover of a video game,” Downs told Krajisnik. “That’s something a lot of people can’t say.”

Regarding his experience traveling with Day and Smith to Pasadena for the cover shoot inside Rose Bowl Stadium, Downs said it was something of a dream come true.

“It was a blessing just because we had been through a whole season together,” Downs said. “Our relationships have all grown. To all be in that situation, it’s surreal.”

I can imagine. What an honor!

“A TRUE BLUE-CHIP TALENT.” Downs’ name appeared in more than one article on Thursday, as The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked the unanimous All-American the No. 1 defensive underclassman prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Here’s what Brugler wrote about Downs:

Arguably America’s best draft-eligible prospect this season regardless of position, Downs made national headlines after a stellar freshman year at Alabama by heading north to Ohio State. His arrival was as-advertised, as Downs’ versatility on the back end — playing either safety spot, corner, slot or rush linebacker — unlocked what turned into a national championship defense.
Downs could be a bit bigger, but his football instincts — especially in run support — are the best of any defensive back in college football. A fierce hitter who can cover anything sideline to sideline while adding value in the kick return game, Downs is a true blue-chip talent who’s reminiscent of a cross between Budda Baker and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Despite his position, he will be in the mix as a top-three prospect in the 2026 draft class.
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Skull Session: Caleb Downs Calls Being a Video Game Cover Star “Surreal,” Nick Bosa and Cameron Heyward Are Among the NFL’s Best Defensive Linemen and the Illibuck Turns 100

Caleb Downs calls being a video game cover star “surreal,” Nick Bosa and Cameron Heyward are among the NFL’s best defensive linemen and the Illibuck turns 100.
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Ohio State star Caleb Downs revisits interest in growing his offensive role for Buckeyes after Ryan Day's plans were scrapped in 2024​

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Caleb Downs is destined to be a first-round round safety and is arguably the best defensive player in the country. But Day said he wanted to give Downs some backfield touches last summer, even if it never happened in-game. Could that happen again?

Downs talked to Cleveland.com's Buckeye Talk podcast with his brother, Colts receiver Josh Downs, and said he could play an offensive gadget role.

"I definitely feel like I could play that gadget guy, that slot receiver, that running back, whatever you want me at. I feel like I could do that for sure."

Here's what Day had said last year about the potential of the move.

Day admitted Downs had been attending running backs meetings throughout last spring and summer. Ohio State has a deep backfield that revolves around James Peoples and CJ Donaldson, but Downs is no less proven than any of the young quartet behind those two.

"Where it goes, we'll see, you never know. We're just trying to build contingency plans," Day stated. Downs never logged an offensive snap in 2024.
 
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