Nine Ohio State Players Named Finalists for National Awards

Ohio State's football team has secured finalists for nine national awards ahead of the College Football Awards on December 12. Key players from each level of Ohio State's defense and offense are being recognized for their performances. Safety Caleb Downs is a finalist for four awards: the Thorpe Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Lott IMPACT Trophy. This recognition follows a strong season featuring 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and a pass breakup.

Quarterback Julian Sayin is up for the Davey O'Brien Award and the Maxwell Award, boasting a nation-leading completion percentage of 79.4%, 2,832 passing yards, and 27 touchdowns with four interceptions. Receiver Jeremiah Smith, despite missing some playing time, is a Biletnikoff Award finalist with 69 receptions for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns. Linebacker Arvell Reese is nominated for the Butkus Award, accumulating 59 tackles