Overview
- Ohio State coach Ryan Day publicly praised Caleb Downs after the Cotton Bowl, saying he will "forever be in debt" for the safety's impact on the program.
- Downs recorded seven solo tackles and 10 total in the 24-14 loss to Miami, closing a season in which he produced across multiple facets of the defense.
- CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson's December 30 mock draft projected Downs to the Washington Commanders at No. 7 overall.
- Analysts have labeled Downs a rare defensive prospect, with public evaluations calling him a generational talent and the top player in his draft cycle.
- The Alabama transfer and 2024 CFP national champion amassed the Jim Thorpe Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy and back-to-back unanimous All-America honors while anchoring one of the nation’s top pass defenses.