• New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.

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

Jump to latest Follow Reply
plum diamonds buckeye planet
Sort by date Sort by votes
There is some walking back of calling every possible targeting play based on the presence of "indicators," and conference games are regularly protecting their contenders. I think the no-targeting call is correct from how want the play officiated. There was no intent to injure and no injury - and the play was made by one of the best and most respected college players making a play based on where the receiver would have been if it was a catchable ball. The ball was so high that the receiver turned but didn't jump to make a play on the ball. Downs in my opinion thought the receiver would actually jump to attempt a catch. Also, if the offensive player doesn't attempt to receive the ball - why would be granted protection as a defenseless receiver? He was just a defenseless observer of an errant pass.
 
Upvote 0
sammyjenkis said:
There is some walking back of calling every possible targeting play based on the presence of "indicators," and conference games are regularly protecting their contenders. I think the no-targeting call is correct from how want the play officiated. There was no intent to injure and no injury - and the play was made by one of the best and most respected college players making a play based on where the receiver would have been if it was a catchable ball. The ball was so high that the receiver turned but didn't jump to make a play on the ball. Downs in my opinion thought the receiver would actually jump to attempt a catch. Also, if the offensive player doesn't attempt to receive the ball - why would be granted protection as a defenseless receiver? He was just a defenseless observer of an errant pass.
Click to expand...
That still makes him a defenseless player. It's not his fault Penn State can't find QBs who can complete passes.
 
Upvote 0
BuckeyeNation27 said:
That still makes him a defenseless player. It's not his fault Penn State can't find QBs who can complete passes.
Click to expand...
The rule is concerning defenseless receivers, not players. He should have tried to catch the ball...

Edit: At least the Big Ten call helping their contender was just a late reversal to save an ejection from affecting the next cupcake game - not deciding the game as some conferences do.
 
Upvote 0
Am more impressed with Caleb this year than last. He's not really getting the lion's share of publicity, but on every play, his nose is in or around what's going down. Believe he's #3 in tackles this year, and ahead in solo's, as he's the roamer, and his instincts are extraordinary. I'm like the opposing QB, always look to see where he lines up. Cannot see any scenario where Caleb (and Reese) hang around, their NFL slots will both be in single digits.
 
Upvote 0

Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Named A Finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy​

By Andy Anders on November 20, 2025 at 10:04 am @andyanders55
Caleb Downs

Email this ArticleShare on RedditShare on TwitterShare on Facebook
0 Comments
Caleb Downs has been one of the best defenders in college football each of the past two seasons for Ohio State. In less than a month, he could be named the best.
Downs was named Thursday as one of four finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best defensive player in the NCAA. He joins Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez on the list of finalists.
The third and very likely final campaign of Downs' college football career has been another monstrous one. In 10 games, he has 46 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions and a pass breakup. Targeted 32 times in the passing game per Pro Football Focus, Downs has allowed just 134 receiving yards, an average of 4.2 yards per target. The worst yards-per-attempt passing offense in the country, UMass, averages 4.6.
Downs has been deployed all over the field again this season for Ohio State, seeing 173 snaps at free safety, 156 snaps in the box and 103 in the slot this year, according to PFF. The most versatile and dynamic weapon in defensive coordinator Matt Patricia's secondary, Downs is the backbone of the nation's No. 1 defense in yards allowed per pass attempt (5.1). The Buckeyes are also No. 1 in scoring defense (7.5 points allowed per game) and total defense (212.6 yards allowed per game).
A unanimous All-American and a finalist for the Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back in college football, in 2024, Downs will find out whether he wins the Nagurski – and likely the Thorpe, whose 2025 finalists have not been named yet – during the College Football Awards show on Dec. 12.

www.elevenwarriors.com

Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Named A Finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has been named one of four finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given annually to the best defensive player in college football.
www.elevenwarriors.com www.elevenwarriors.com
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top