Eric Boggs
The Ohio State secondary is officially entering a new chapter as Caleb Downs, one of the greatest defensive backs in program history, declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, closing a remarkable two-year run in Columbus that reshaped what elite safety play looks like in scarlet and gray.
Downs arrived from Alabama as a former five-star recruit and immediately became the heartbeat of Ohio State’s defense. Over two seasons, he piled up 150 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four interceptions and eight pass breakups while serving as the centerpiece of back-to-back Buckeye defenses that finished No. 1 nationally in points allowed per game. His individual accolades reflect that dominance: SEC Freshman of the Year in 2023, first-team All-Big Ten in 2024 and 2025, and one of only six two-time unanimous All-Americans in Ohio State history. In his final season, he claimed the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, cementing his legacy among the program’s all-time greats.
From an evaluation standpoint, Downs enters the draft as arguably the most complete prospect in the 2026 class. His ability to process route concepts, mirror quarterbacks’ eyes, communicate coverages and play with precise body control made him the ultimate defensive chess piece. Whether in the box, deep middle or slot, his versatility and football intelligence allowed Ohio State to build entire game plans around his presence. Assuming he is selected in the first round, Downs would become the Buckeyes’ first safety drafted there since Malik Hooker in 2017, with a real chance to become the highest-drafted Ohio State safety ever, surpassing Donte Whitner’s No. 8 overall selection in 2006.
With Downs moving on, Ohio State’s safety room now shifts toward its next leaders. Jaylen McClain is set to return and anchor the group in 2026, bringing experience and stability to the back end. Behind him, Malik Hartford, Faheem Delane and Leroy Roker III emerge as the primary internal candidates to assume larger roles, while the Buckeyes may also explore the transfer portal for a veteran presence to help replace Downs’ production and leadership.
Downs becomes the second Ohio State player with remaining eligibility, along with Carnell Tate, to declare early for the 2026 NFL Draft. His departure leaves enormous shoes to fill, but it also underscores the standard of excellence Ohio State’s secondary has established. The safety room now carries both the responsibility and the opportunity to uphold a legacy that Caleb Downs helped redefine.
