Ohio State S Caleb Downs declares for NFL draft

Field Level Media|published: Wed 7th January, 12:47 2026

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.

Standout Ohio State safety Caleb Downs officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Wednesday.

The two-time consensus All-American is regarded as a potential top-10 selection in the April 23-25 draft.

The 6-foot, 205-pound junior announced his decision on social media "after a lot of prayer and reflection."

"Being part of a team that brought a National Championship home is something I will always be proud of," he posted on Instagram. "Competing for Ohio State these past two years, alongside my teammates, and upholding this tradition has been one of the greatest honors of my life."

Downs, who played his 2023 freshman season at Alabama before transferring to Columbus, helped the Buckeyes compile a 26-4 record. They won the College Football Playoff championship in the 2024 season and advanced to the CFP quarterfinals this season.

He was the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy.

Downs' career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 44 games for the Crimson Tide and Buckeyes.

--Field Level Media

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