The journey of Caleb Downs transferring to Ohio State was made possible by a commitment made two years ago.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Whether or not Caleb Downs will publicly acknowledge Ohio State as the second choice in his decision as a five-star recruit in the 2022 class is irrelevant. What holds significance is that the Buckeyes, by fulfilling their commitment, were ready to secure him when the opportunity arose. Initially, they pitched an idea to win him over, and this time, they presented a product that made a significant impact.
“It definitely has,” acknowledged Downs.
Downs’ association with OSU began with an offer following a June day camp in 2021, but it truly flourished the next year when changes were made to the defensive staff under Ryan Day. The hiring of Tim Walton as the cornerbacks coach, who had a longstanding relationship with Downs’ family, played a pivotal role. Although the defense needed to prove itself under new coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State had an advantage over other programs, boasting the cachet of being one of the nation’s top football programs and having Walton, a figure universally respected in the football world.
“I just love the program here,” expressed Downs. “I love Coach Walton and what the people had to say around here. I believe in Coach Day and I believe in this team.”
The only notable difference this time was the on-field performance. Downs, an elite defensive prospect, had a stellar freshman year, earning second-team All-American and Freshman of the Year honors while playing for a Crimson Tide team known for its defense under Nick Saban. The concept of “Saban being Saban” mattered, but there were also 17 years of proof that Downs would contribute to elite defenses.
However, Day lacked that proof at the time. In three years, his only average-level defense was in 2019, and changes were made after 2021. It’s challenging to convince a teenager based on an idea alone, but the defense under Knowles in 2022 and 2023 evolved into an elite unit, a significant factor in Downs’ decision-making.
“They played great defense last year,” noted Downs. “Watching the film and seeing how they progressed and seeing how their defense played last year definitely helped me make a more sound decision and have more facts about what I’ll be getting into.”
Ohio State had nearly all the crucial elements in place to recruit Downs, even making a last-minute effort months after he committed to Alabama. The culture, the head coach, and the assistant, whom he considered an extended family member, were all factors that resonated with him.
“Very genuine person,” praised Downs of Walton. “He always keeps it straight with you. Everything that he says has come to fruition so I can’t knock him on anything. He’s very close to my pops too. They grew up together. So just knowing that relationship with him and our relationship together as I trusted him.”
Back then, the missing piece was proof, and now, he has it. The Buckeyes transformed their defense into one of the nation’s best over the past two years, with almost all key players returning. With high expectations and the addition of a player like Downs, the anticipation is for the defense to excel and reach elite status.
“I expect us to be one of the best,” said Downs. “I expect us to excel and be better than they were last year. I expect us to be elite.”
