Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes, S - News, Stats, Bio

Big Ten Standings

Team	Conf	Overall
IND	9-0	16-0
OHIOST	9-0	12-2
OREG	8-1	13-2
USC	7-2	9-4
MICH	7-2	9-4
IOWA	6-3	9-4
WASH	5-4	9-4
ILL	5-4	9-4
MINN	5-4	8-5
NEB	4-5	7-6
NWEST	4-5	7-6
PSU	3-6	7-6
UCLA	3-6	3-9
RUT	2-7	5-7
WISC	2-7	4-8
MICHST	1-8	4-8
MD	1-8	4-8
PURDUE	0-9	2-10

Now Playing

Link copied!

7:47

Winners And Losers From NFL Pro Day
1:41

Caleb Downs Smooth In DB Drills
6:06

DB Deep Dive With Logan Ryan
1:06

DB Deep Dive With Logan Ryan: Is Caleb Downs Worth The Hype?
1:05

Expectations For S Caleb Downs At Pro Day
1:43

Where Does Caleb Downs Go In NFL Draft?
9:57

Caleb Downs NFL Combine Interview: Transferring from Alabama to Ohio State, being a Top-5 pick
1:13

Moves Jets Should Make, Draft S Caleb Downs 2nd Overall
0:52

Caleb Downs Headlines Defensive Back Class
1:49

Needs Mock Draft: NFC South
0:28

BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State S Caleb Downs Declares for 2026 NFL Draft
1:06

CFP Quarterfinals Most Important Players: No. 10 Miami vs. No. 2 Ohio St (Cotton Bowl)
1:29

Ohio State Players In Ryan Wilson's Mock Draft
1:05

Options For The Raiders With No. 8 Pick In The 2026 NFL Draft
0:49

Player Projections: Safety Caleb Downs (OSU)
0:50

Could we see Caleb Downs play some RB in 2025? | 247Sports Ultimate CFB Show
0:43

Late Kick: Caleb Downs looks to contribute all over the field for Ohio State this season
1:58

WR Carnell Tate Scouting Report: Strengths
1:07

WR Carnell Tate Player Comparison
0:57

WR Carnell Tate Scouting Report: Weaknesses

See All NCAAF Videos

Draft Scouting Report

Pro Comparison: Eric Berry

Summary

Caleb Downs is a three-year starter at Alabama and Ohio State who has thrived at a high level in multiple systems. Downs is a leader and alpha who excels in both phases and is rarely out of position. He shows excellent range and change of direction, along with the ability to match up in coverage against speedy receivers and tight ends. Downs also returned punts at both Alabama and Ohio State, displaying strong spatial awareness and the explosiveness to score -- a rare trait for a safety. He’s a high-IQ player who should make an immediate impact as a rookie.

About

Career: Sixth DB to be named Unanimous All-American twice (Johnnie Johnson, Kenny Easley, Deion Sanders, Tripp Welborne, Eric Berry)
2023-25: Only DB with 250+ tackles, 15+ TFL and 5+ INT over past three FBS seasons

Strengths

Checks every intangible box: leadership, intelligence, production, championship pedigree and no off-field concerns.
Fluid, athletic defender who backpedals with ease, pattern-matches in coverage and plays physically in the box; outstanding versatility.
Excellent instincts on the back end, understanding route combinations and offensive tendencies while closing space quickly with strong technique.

Weaknesses

Will occasionally whiff on tackles when going for a big hit; has missed low on blitzes and in space.
Bigger tight ends can fit him up in the run game near the line of scrimmage; lacks ideal size and length to consistently shed those blocks.
Rarely tested in coverage (78 receptions allowed over three seasons) but has just six career interceptions.