Black Stripe Alert! Ohio State safety Caleb Downs sheds black stripe

Welcome to the Brotherhood. #GoBucks

The Ohio State football team got some pretty big news when it found out that former Freshman All-American Caleb Downs was transferring from Tuscaloosa to Columbus. From the sounds of things, Downs has been making an impression since day one and now he’s been officially welcomed to the Brotherhood after losing his black stripe.

Downs made an instant impact at Alabama becoming a starter as a true freshman. In one year with the Tide, he tallied 107 total tackles, had two interceptions, and returned a punt for a touchdown. Big things are expected from the former five-star recruit as Sonny Styles, also a former five-star recruit, has moved to linebacker to make room for Downs in the secondary.

Downs is the second Buckeye to lose his black stripe this spring behind freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Mark Russell on X.

Ohio State transfer portal scouting report: Caleb Downs

Ohio State transfer portal scouting report: Caleb Downs #GoBucks

The Ohio State football season is over, but the offseason has just begun and the Buckeyes are putting in work in the transfer portal. The first transfer portal addition came from the Mid-American Conference with the addition of Will Kacmarek from the Ohio Bobcats. We dove into what to expect from him earlier this month.

We then looked at Will Howard, who some have deemed the quarterback to lead the Buckeyes to the Promised Land. I then took a crack at what to expect from my favorite addition, former Alabama Crimson Tide center, Seth McLaughlin.

We also recently discussed the addition of Quinshon Judkins and his All-American potential, but Ohio State added yet another former SEC star in Caleb Downs from Alabama and I wanted to dive into his potential as a Buckeye.

Name: Caleb Downs

Former School: Alabama Crimson Tide

Height: 6-feet, 0-inches

Weight: 203 pounds

Position: Safety

Strengths

Caleb Downs was recognized as one of the most exciting five-star freshmen in recent memory and despite already being ranked as the number one safety in the class of 2024, he even exceeded those expectations. If you need evidence of Downs’ dominance, go back and watch his game against Texas A&M, where he earned a diving interception. This game was a great example of his coverage and elite change of direction skills.

Weaknesses

This scouting report is a bit like when we discussed Quinshon Judkins, where you really have to look to find weaknesses, but from first glance, Downs did show signs of being a freshman. There are a few examples where he took the bait as far as routes and fakes go. A good example of this was against Texas when he was getting caught out of position a few times.

Expectations

Downs immediately lived up to the hype and earned All-SEC honors as well as the SEC Freshman of the Year Award. It is fair to expect Downs to be a star at Ohio State as well. He was already an All-American, but I do think its fair to allow him time to get used to the defense and his role and perhaps have a slight sophomore slump due to the new surroundings.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on X.

Transfer safety Caleb Downs dishes on why he chose Ohio State

In case you missed it and wondered what led to the decision from Downs. #GoBucks

When Alabama head coach Nick Saban retired, it opened up a bit of an exodus from the program that Ohio State took advantage of. The Buckeyes not only convinced the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class to transfer to Columbus, but also the Tide’s starting center, and arguably the best player on the defense in Tuscaloosa, safety Caleb Downs.

It was the last player on that list that was a bit of a surprise to land on the banks of the Olentangy. In fact, many believed he was headed to Georgia who seemed to have the inside track.

But that’s not what happened obviously. Downs chose Ohio State in the end, and many thought it had a lot to do with name, image and likeness money.  Good thing then that Downs was asked why he chose the Buckeyes during a media session on Tuesday. According to him, it was pretty simple, really.

“I just love the program here,” Downs said. “I love Coach (Tim) Walton and what the people had to say around here. I believe in Coach Day and I believe in this team … “I just felt like (going to Ohio State) was the best decision for me. At the end of the day, everybody’s got to do what they needed to for themselves.”

As a refresher, Downs has a connection with Walton. His father grew up with him, so there was that bond already, one that almost led to Downs picking Ohio State when he was recruited out of high school.

Bottom line; Downs is here now and he’s ready to get to work on being one of the best defenses in the country, even better than last season.

“I expect us to be one of the best,” Downs said. “I expect us to excel and be better than they were last year. I expect us to be elite.”

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

Podcast: In depth look at UGA’s DB room following Caleb Downs miss

Podcast: In depth look at UGA’s DB room following Caleb Downs miss

Host J.C. Shelton is joined by former Georgia Bulldog Arthur Lynch to break down UGA’s defensive backs room following Caleb Downs’ commitment to Ohio State. 

Your friends at UGA Football Live and UGA Wire present your one-stop-shop podcast for all things Georgia football: “UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton.”

The podcast streams on YouTube as a part of The Pulse Sports Network and wherever you get your podcasts.

Check it out for stats, analysis and interviews with some Georgia greats. We are here throughout the offseason to keep you up to speed on UGA football.

The Bulldogs were projected to sign All-American Alabama transfer Caleb Downs, but he committed to Ohio State in a surprising move.

What do the Bulldogs have at defensive back for 2024? In short, a great deal of talent. We break it all down.

Also on the show:

  • Coaching carousel
  • Lynch shares his favorite spring practice stories

Watch here, on YouTube:

Listen here, on Spotify

Listen here, on Apple Podcasts.


Make sure to subscribe, rate and review! And check out one our favorite episodes breaking down what Georgia is getting in quarterback signee Ryan Puglisi:

Four Buckeyes featured on ESPN’s 2024 Way-Too-Early All-American Team

Some “way too early” recognition for some Ohio State players via ESPN. #GoBucks

It’s no secret that the college football offseason has been an exciting one for Ohio State football fans.

With multiple stars on both sides of the ball announcing their return plus the addition of former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, and former Alabama safety Caleb Downs among others the Buckeyes will enter the 2024 season loaded with talent.

This was recognized when ESPN released its “Way-Too-Early All-American team,” which featured four Buckeyes making the first team, the most of any program.

Featured on the list were running back Treveyon Henderson, left guard Donovan Jackson, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, and new Buckeye safety Caleb Downs.

Henderson has been one of the most electrifying players in college football since his freshman year for the Buckeyes and will enter the 2024 season with big expectations as him and Judkins should form an exciting 1-2 punch at running back.

Jackson returns to the Buckeyes as the most experienced offensive lineman after all-conference seasons in 2022 and 2023. He is one of the key contributors to an offensive line that was solid, but inconsistent last season.

Williams got the Way-Too-Early All-American nod from ESPN after being an anchor in the middle of the Buckeye defense last season. He will an integral part of Ohio State’s defensive line which also returns J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Ty Hamilton.

To round out the list is new Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. After putting together an All-American season as a true freshman safety on Alabama’s defense, Downs will enter the 2024 season as one of the best players in college football.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Evan Bachman on X.

Five reasons to be excited about Alabama safety transfer Caleb Downs for Ohio State

There are so many reasons to be excited about Caleb Downs landing in Columbus. Here are five of them

Ohio State football’s impressive offseason continued on Friday evening, when they landed the top transfer of the 2024 cycle, former Alabama safety Caleb Downs.

The star member of the secondary wasn’t just a small contributor for the Tide, he was a day one starter, earned All-American status and led the team with over 100 tackles on the year.

After a somewhat slow start to the transfer portal cycle, head coach Ryan Day has exploded with five big time players from other schools, Downs being at the top of the list.

There are so many reasons to be excited about this addition, and here are five reasons to be excited for Kaleb Downs to be suiting up in the Scarlet and Gray this fall.

Georgia, Texas and Ohio State emerge as 2024 favorites through portal

Georgia, Ohio State and Texas are separating from the pack through the transfer portal.

There are three clear cut title favorites following transfer portal additions and the retirement of Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Texas is one of them.

Georgia, Ohio State and Texas have emerged as teams who command the most respect out of the initial portal window and extended portal opening at Alabama.

Georgia has the benefit of the doubt after several top five recruiting classes and a return from productive quarterback Carson Beck. The Bulldogs have also added two of the top 10 receivers in the transfer portal. Nevertheless, it’s the team’s 42-2 record over the last three seasons and national titles in 2021 and 2022 that make the strongest case for the team.

The less obvious two of the three contenders became obvious after portal upgrades. Texas and Ohio State joined Georgia after taking over the transfer portal in their own right.

Ohio State just won out for Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs in a battle with Georgia. The return of Emeka Egbuka at receiver paired with the addition of Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard and Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins have many excited about the team.

Texas has become a title contender in its own right after replacing its strong receiving corps with big time transfers in Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond, Alabama tight end Amari Niblack, Houston receiver Matthew Golden and Oregon State receiver Silas Bolden.

On defense, Texas added Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba, UTSA edge Trey Moore and Alabama linebacker Kendrick Blackshire.

For the Longhorns, it’s what the team returns that provides the foundation for a title contender. The players they return took the team to the College Football Playoff and a 12-2 record. Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers is primed for a strong campaign behind an offensive line that returns 80% of its starters.

Outside of the above three, many saw Michigan and Alabama rising back into contention. Following the retirement of Nick Saban and with a potential departure of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh both teams have coaching question marks. It doesn’t help that both teams return seven starters or less from a season ago.

Oregon stands as a potential contender in its own right though it is less heralded. That said, the Ducks will have questions of their own moving into the Big Ten conference and without starting quarterback Bo Nix.

Texas, Ohio State and Georgia are becoming clear cut favorites to compete for a national title in 2024 as rosters begin to solidify. It sets the stage for an eventful spring in Austin capped by what should be an informative spring game.

The Longhorns’ next significant on-field action will take place in the Orange-White game on April 20.

Ohio State continues to add with commitment from Caleb Downs

Ryan Day is continuing to stock up for the 2024 season.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are hitting the recruiting trail hard with so many talented players entering the portal, thanks in large part to the recent coaching moves.

Most recently, the Buckeyes and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles added to their unit with the addition of former five-star safety Caleb Downs. He made his decision on Friday, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Downs was one of many talented players on the SEC champion Alabama Crimson Tide roster to enter the portal following the retirement of the legendary Nick Saban. In his first year with the program, Downs played in 14 games with 2 interceptions to go along with his 107 total tackles, 3.5 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Downs was rated as the No. 6 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class and the top player from the state of Georgia. He was also rated as the No. 1 player in the transfer portal. Many believed he was Georgia-bound but instead he opted to join the Buckeyes.

Ohio State is also projected to land the top quarterback from the 2024 recruiting class, Julian Sayin. Safe to say that The Ohio State Buckeyes are thriving in the portal at the moment. They still have plenty of work to do given they have lost 19 players to the portal. Of the 19, 16 are still available to withdraw just as wide receiver Bryson Rodgers has. Three are already enrolled at other schools.

Here is the running list of commitments at the moment:

  • Caleb Downs, Safety (Alabama)
  • Quinshon Judkins, Running Back (Ole Miss)
  • Seth McLaughlin, Offensive Line (Alabama)
  • Will Kacmarek, Tight End (Ohio)
  • Will Howard, Quarterback (Kansas State)

Check out Buckeyes Wire for more on Ohio State

Social media reacts: Alabama transfer Caleb Downs picks Ohio State over Georgia

Georgia football fans react as the No. 1 player in the transfer portal, Alabama safety Caleb Downs, picks Ohio State over UGA

Alabama Crimson Tide safety Caleb Downs committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes over the Georgia Bulldogs. Downs is ranked as the top player in the NCAA transfer portal. The former five-star recruit elected to enter the transfer portal after Nick Saban announced his retirement.

Downs’ commitment to Ohio State is a massive recruiting disappointment and shock for Georgia. Georgia football insiders considered the Dawgs to be the favorites to land the coveted transfer.

Head coach Kirby Smart and Georgia hired former Alabama cornerbacks coach Travaris Robinson as the Dawgs’ new co-defensive coordinator, which should’ve aided the Bulldogs’ pursuit of Downs. Downs is a former elite recruit from Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia.

Ohio State has made a massive splash in the transfer portal this winter. The Buckeyes have accumulated a significant amount of talent as they push to return to the College Football Playoff.

Downs was a first-team All-SEC selection for his impressive 2023 campaign. The standout safety recorded 107 total tackles, three deflections and two interceptions as he contributed to Alabama winning the SEC championship.

How did Georgia football fans and media react after Downs committed to Ohio State? How did Ohio State respond to getting a big recruiting win?

Social media reacts to Caleb Downs Ohio State commitment

Social media explodes with the news of Caleb Downs to Ohio State! #GoBucks

Anyone else picking their jaw up off the floor? Ohio State fans were quietly holding out hope, but it sure looked like Alabama All-American safety Caleb Downs would follow his position coach and become a Georgia Bulldog after entering the transfer portal earlier in the week.

But Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff just pulled off one of the biggest coups imaginable and landed one of the best players in college football.

The Buckeyes might have missed out on Downs the first time around, but they didn’t miss on the second attempt and as you can imagine, social media exploded when the bombshell announcement dropped and we’re taking a look at some of the best.

Let’s go!