Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Joins Jeremiah Smith, Sheds Black Stripe

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs has become the third new player on the team to shed his black stripe.

The Ohio State Buckeyes landed perhaps the biggest addition of any team in the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason, with former Alabama star safety Caleb Downs signing with the program.

And now, Downs is 'officially' a Buckeye, becoming the third new player on the team to shed his black stripe, joining freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith - who was the first of the group to do so - and walk on receiver Brennen Schramm.

Downs shed his stripe after six practices. Smith set the program record by having his stripe removed after just four practices.

The Black Stripe was first implemented by Urban Meyer in 2012. Players are only allowed to shed their black stripes once they have proven themselves to be a dedicated and hard-working team players.

And by all accounts, Downs is exactly that.

Mar 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) stretches during the

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

“I just love the program here, I love Coach Walton, and love what the people had to say around here," Downs said in February. "I believe in Coach Day, and I believe in this team.”

With Downs now in the fold, the Buckeyes' secondary is arguably the best in the country, with the former Alabama All-American Candidate joining Lathan Ransom at safety, Jordan Hancock, Denzel Burke, and Davison Igbinosun manning the three corner spots. 

The Buckeyes will also return the majority of one of the top front sevens in the nation, with J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Tyliek Williams, Ty Hamilton manning the front, and Cody Simon and converted safety Sonny Styles at linebacker.

“They played great defense last year, he said. “Just watching the film and seeing how they progressed and seeing how their defense played last year definitely helped me make a sound decision and what I would be getting into.”