Overview
- Downs revealed his decision on the “Downs 2 Business” podcast with his brother, then followed with a thank-you message to coaches, teammates and fans on social media.
- He swept major 2025 honors with the Jim Thorpe Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after posting 68 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles and finishing ninth in Heisman voting.
- The two-time unanimous All-American transferred from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement and became a cornerstone of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship defense.
- Analysts widely project him as a top-10 pick, with recent mocks placing him at No. 10 to the Bengals and No. 9 to the Chiefs, even as safeties are seldom drafted that high.
- His combine and pro day performances will help set his draft slot, as Ohio State begins the challenge of replacing a defensive leader praised by Ryan Day for his on- and off-field impact.