Caleb Downs Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

SEC Freshman of the Year transferring to CFP contender

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 1/19/24

Former Alabama safety Caleb Downs has reportedly chosen his next team. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Crimson Tide star is committing to Ohio State.

Downs became arguably the biggest non-quarterback to enter the transfer portal following the retirement of legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban. The true freshman was an immediate impact player for a Crimson Tide squad that had its ups and downs last season.

Source: Caleb Downs is committing to Ohio State. The former Alabama safety led the Tide in tackles this season. pic.twitter.com/zCKNczi65W

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 20, 2024

Downs was favored to land on Alabama’s SEC rival Georgia before his transfer commitment to Ohio State. Georgia had just recently hired Downs’ defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

The 19-year-old safety led Alabama with 107 total tackles this past season, which was over 50% more than runner-up Deontae Lawson’s total of 67. Downs was also second on the team with two interceptions.

Ohio State supporters will be delighted to know that Downs was very effective during Alabama’s College Football Playoff loss to Michigan earlier this month. Downs led his team with eight tackles and nearly started the game with an interception before it was wiped away.

Downs is far from the only blue-chip star to spurn Alabama for a different program. The Crimson Tide have lost several top players and recruits in the wake of Saban’s retirement.

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

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