Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Featured Among Top-8 Defensive Stars for 2024
Sophomore cornerback Caleb Downs has some high expectations for his first season with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The ex-Alabama Crimson Tide star was listed as one of Bleacher Report's projected top-eight defensive stars in 2024, alongside several other elite players. Downs entered the transfer portal following the retirement of long-time Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, electing to spend the coming season with the Buckeyes.
"Downs amassed a Bama-best 107 tackles as a true freshman, holding down the back end of a top-25 defense," David Kenyon, author of the list, said. "He also grabbed two interceptions, broke up four passes and forced a fumble as the Crimson Tide recovered from an early loss to win the (Southeastern Conference) and make the (College Football Playoff)."
Downs was a welcomed addition to the Ohio State defensive unit, which has brought back a majority of its star players from last season. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will have plenty of weapons in his arsenal this year, including Downs.
"Ohio State has a star-studded unit thanks to the return of NFL-eligible players J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer and Denzel Burke," Kenyon said. "Truly, I could feature any of them and quickly defend it. But between the transfer spotlight and his 2023 performance, Downs is the Buckeyes' main defender to know."
Downs will get his first taste of playing in Ohio Stadium, also known as "The 'Shoe," during the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 13.
After that, Downs will have a handful of months to get himself ready for the regular season, which opens up for the Buckeyes at home on Saturday, August 31 against the Akron Zips.
