Former Alabama star safety Caleb Downs has made a surprising decision to transfer to Ohio State, according to a source. Downs, who led the Crimson Tide in total tackles this season, is set to join the Buckeyes and bring his exceptional talent to their defense.
Downs had an impressive freshman season at Alabama, recording a remarkable 107 total tackles. This achievement made him the first true freshman in program history to accomplish such a feat. As a highly sought-after recruit in the 2023 class, Downs was ranked No. 11 overall and was considered the top safety from Hoschton, Georgia.
The news of Downs’ transfer came as a surprise to many, as it was widely speculated that he would end up at Georgia. His former defensive backs coach, Travaris Robinson, had joined the Georgia staff, leading to speculation that Downs would follow suit. However, despite efforts from new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer to bring Robinson back to the Crimson Tide, Robinson decided to stay with the Bulldogs.
Interestingly, Ohio State was also in the running for Downs during his recruitment process. Although he ultimately chose Alabama, it seems that the Buckeyes left a lasting impression on him. After conducting an in-home visit with Downs and his family, the Ohio State coaching staff successfully convinced him to make the move.
Downs’ arrival at Ohio State is expected to have an immediate impact on their defense. The Buckeyes have already seen significant improvement under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in his second year with the team. With three years of eligibility remaining, Downs will provide additional strength and skill to an already formidable defense.
Ohio State has been making waves in the transfer market, securing several impactful transfers. In addition to Caleb Downs, they have also acquired Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, and Alabama center Seth McLaughlin. These additions will undoubtedly bolster the Buckeyes’ roster and increase their chances of success in the upcoming season.
As Caleb Downs prepares to embark on this new chapter of his football career, all eyes will be on him to see how he adapts to his new team and contributes to their success. Ohio State fans are eagerly anticipating his arrival and are hopeful that he will continue to showcase the exceptional skills that made him a standout player at Alabama. With Downs now in the scarlet and gray, the Buckeyes’ defense is poised to become even more formidable, and their opponents should be prepared for a tough challenge in the seasons to come.
