Ohio State safety Caleb Downs enters the 2026 NFL draft

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, positioning himself as a potential first-round pick. At 21, Downs has already built a distinguished collegiate career, having won a national championship with Ohio State and securing several prestigious awards this season. These accolades include the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the Jim Thorpe Award, and the Lott Trophy, highlighting both his athletic prowess and personal character. Downs began his college career at Alabama, earning the title of SEC Freshman of the Year before transferring to Ohio State following Nick Saban's departure. There, he achieved All-American status twice. Caleb comes from a family with a rich NFL history, including his father, Gary Downs, a former NFL running back, his brother, Josh Downs, a wide receiver for the Colts, and his uncle, Dre Bly, a former NFL cornerback.