Ohio State Superstar Safety Caleb Downs Locks Down Major Award

Ohio State Buckeyes' superstar safety Caleb Downs locked down the Paycom Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in college football. 

Downs has been an elite player since he entered college football as a true freshman three seasons ago when he was a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide. In his freshman year, he led all his peers in tackles with 107 on the year and burst onto the scene as an elite talent in the sport.

Then, legendary head coach Nick Saban decided to retire as the head coach of the Tide, and Downs entered the transfer portal. He was one of the most coveted names in the entire sport and decided that he was going to take his talents to Columbus to join the Buckeyes. 

The talented defensive playmaker arrived in Columbus as a reinforcement on what was already one of the best defenses in all of college football. The Buckeyes were dominating teams, and early on in 2024, Downs was trying to find his place on what was a very strong unit.

It took until later in the year for him to really fit in, and when he did, he completely elevated the defense. He finished his sophomore year with 82 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups ups and 2 interceptions. 

He was an integral part of the Buckeyes' run to the National Championship, and for his play, he was named an All-American. 

Going into his junior season, what would likely be his third and final year, Downs has yet to lose a step. The stats aren't there to back it up this season, but it's simply because the Buckeyes in front of him are all so dominant. 

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On the year, Downs has just 60 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2  pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. However, everyone knows that he is the straw that stirs the drink on Ohio State's historic defense. 

Big Ten Champion head coach Curt Cignetti had high praise for Downs as the Hoosiers prepared for the Buckeyes last week.

"They've got great weapons on the outside," Cignetti claimed. "Jeremiah Smith is probably the most dominant player in college football, if not Caleb Downs or the other receiver, 17, Carnell Tate."

For all of his efforts, Downs has earned the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in college football. He is the most dominant player on the best defense in the country, and he is looking for more.

The Buckeyes are coming off of their first and only loss of the season and are looking to rebound from it with a trip back to the National Championship. If the Buckeyes are able to repeat, it will be largely thanks to Downs leadership and ability on the back end of the Buckeyes defense.