The Ohio State Buckeyes continued their impressive transfer portal run on Friday, securing former Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs.
Downs announced his intention to transfer following the Crimson Tide's 27-20 overtime loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the 2023 Rose Bowl. The freshman was sought after by several top programs, including the Georgia Bulldogs.
Early projections had Downs becoming a Bulldog, as it would mean returning to his birth state. Downs' hometown of Hoschton is just 43 minutes southeast of Athens, the city in which the University of Georgia is located.
Downs made a splash over his first season in the college football pool. Seeing action in each of Alabama's 14 games this year, Downs recorded 107 total tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
The Crimson Tide have seen a mass emigration of talent since their defeat in the Rose Bowl at the hands of the Wolverines. Nine players have entered the transfer portal since the final whistle of that contest, including receiver Malik Benson, offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin and linebacker Kendrick Blackshire.
Blackshire will continue his career with the Texas Longhorns, while McLaughlin will join Downs at Ohio State for the coming season. Benson committed to the Florida State Seminoles last Monday.
The Buckeyes have been beyond impressive over the offseason. Downs is just the latest addition to a defensive roster that boasts big-time returners like defensive end Jack Sawyer, linebacker Cody Simon and edge J.T. Tuimoloau.
As far as his position goes, Downs will be joined in the defensive secondary by cornerback Denzel Burke, and safeties Lathan Ransom and Sonny Styles.
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