Caleb Downs

Caleb Downs (born December 10, 2004) is an American football safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He previously played for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he was named the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year.

Caleb Downs

Downs talks to press after the 2025 CFP National Championship.
Ohio State Buckeyes – No. 2
Position	Safety
Class	Junior
Personal information
Born:	(2004-12-10) December 10, 2004 (age 20) Hoschton, Georgia, U.S.
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight	205 lb (93 kg)
Career history
College	Alabama (2023) Ohio State (2024–present)
High school	Mill Creek (Hoschton)
Career highlights and awards
CFP national champion (2024) Unanimous All-American (2024) Second-team All-American (2023) SEC Freshman of the Year (2023) Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year (2024) First-team All-Big Ten (2024) First-team All-SEC (2023)
Stats at ESPN

Early life

Downs attended Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia.^[1] Downs was the named the All-American Bowl Player of the Year as a senior.^[2] He was ranked as one of the top players in the 2023 college football recruiting class and considered the nation's No. 1 safety prospect.^[3] He was ranked No. 9 nationally by Rivals.com,^[4] No. 11 by ESPN^[5] and No. 8 by 247Sports.^[6] In July 2023, he was named Defensive Football Player of the Year by USA Today.^[7]

College career

Downs committed to Alabama on July 27, 2022.^[8] He chose Alabama over Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State.^[9] In his debut, he led the team in tackles with eight.^[10] At the conclusion of his freshman season Downs was named the SEC Freshman of the Year.^[11][12] Following the retirement of Nick Saban, he transferred to Ohio State.^[13] In Ohio State's 38–15 win over No. 5 Indiana, Downs returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown.^[14] At the conclusion of the 2024 season Downs was named an unanimous All-American.^[15]

Personal life

Downs' father, Gary, played college football for NC State and is now an assistant coach. His uncle, Dré Bly, played for the North Carolina Tar Heels and 11 years in the NFL. His brother Josh also played with the Tar Heels, and is now with the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL.