Ohio State's Caleb Downs Makes Historic NIL Announcement Before National Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jan 17, 2025 9:34 AM ET

Caleb Downs and the Ohio State Buckeyes are heading into a national championship matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Before the team's College Football Playoff matchup, Downs revealed an exciting NIL announcement.

The true sophomore signed an exclusive NIL deal with Panini America, making him the first defensive player in college football history to sign with the sports trading card company.

According to On3Sports, Downs boasts a $2.3 million NIL valuation. He's received a few NIL contracts prior to signing with Panini America, including deals with Beats by Dre and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

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In his first season with the Buckeyes, Downs has recorded half a sack, two interceptions, six pass deflections and 76 tackles.

Downs originally started his college career in the SEC with the Alabama Crimson Tide. During the 2023 season, Downs' freshman year, he produced one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, three pass deflections and 107 tackles.

Out of high school, Downs committed to Alabama as the No. 1 safety and No. 7 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports.

The Buckeyes enter the national championship game against Notre Dame as an 8-point favorite, per ESPN BET.

They're set to face off against Notre Dame on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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