Caleb Downs plans to confer with Ohio State following his departure from Alabama and entry into the transfer portal.
The Ohio State football team has had a promising offseason, marked by several key players opting to return to school and some successful recruiting efforts. However, their prospects may improve even further in the near future.
According to Pete Nakos of On 3, members of the Buckeyes’ coaching staff traveled to Georgia to meet with Caleb Downs, a standout defensive back from Alabama who entered the transfer portal following Nick Saban’s retirement.
Securing Downs’ commitment won’t be an easy task for Ohio State. As Nakos pointed out, Downs had previously considered Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia during his high school recruitment, with the Bulldogs now posing a significant threat given their geographical proximity and the hiring of Travaris Robinson, a former Alabama defensive coordinator, as their co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
Ohio State’s coaches will need to work hard to sway Downs’ decision. They have a strong case to make, though. Despite suffering only one regular-season loss last season, a narrow defeat to eventual national champions Michigan, Ohio State retained many key players who opted to delay their NFL aspirations for another year. This group includes offensive standouts like TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka, and Donovan Jackson, as well as defensive talents such as Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, Cody Simon, Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, and Lathan Ransom.
The addition of Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss further bolsters Ohio State’s roster, setting the stage for a potential national title run in what could be a pivotal season for head coach Ryan Day.
Downs, who earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors at Alabama with impressive defensive stats, would enhance Ohio State’s already formidable defense, particularly if paired with Ransom, who excelled in coverage according to Pro Football Focus.
The key now lies in convincing Downs to commit to Ohio State and become part of their formidable lineup.
