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


“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.
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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