Two Buckeyes Land on 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watchlist

There’s More Where That Came From

The reigning national champions have to replace the majority of the defense. However, the best player from last year’s defense is back. Caleb Downs, as expected, landed on the Lott IMPACT Trophy watchlist after doing so prior to last year. He was on just about every preseason watchlist possible. The star safety ended up as a finalist for the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award, and Lott IMPACT Award. Downs was one of eight unanimous All-Americans and even has Heisman Trophy-level hype heading into 2025.

Winning the Heisman as a safety would be a tall task, especially as his counting stats were down from 2023. In his first season as a Buckeye, Downs led college football’s top defense with 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, half of a sack, six pass breakups, and two interceptions. He also showed off his athleticism with a 79-yard punt return touchdown in the win over Indiana.

With another great season, Downs could be the first non-quarterback off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft, even as a safety; he’s even been compared to the likes of Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed.

It’s not outlandish to think that Downs’ name will be on just about every defensive or overall player watchlist this summer. He will likely be the favorite for a handful once it’s all said and done.

Playing With Style

One of the breakout stars from last year, Sonny Styles, is expected to be a leader on defense in 2025. One of the favorites to rock the Block O, Styles has been a player to keep an eye on ever since he stepped on campus. In his first two seasons at Ohio State, Styles was a safety. He was a rotational piece as a true freshman and then took over due to injury in 2023. With Downs’ transfer and Lathan Ransom‘s improved health, Styles was moved to linebacker. He won the positional battle and broke out.

Last year, in 16 games, Styles amassed 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He was impressively solid for the Buckeyes last year despite being raw at the position. There was tangible hype if he decided to hop into the NFL Draft because he was expected to test at an elite level. Despite that, he decided to return to help lead what will be a rebuilt defense.

He was Ohio State’s male nominee in Spring 2025 for the Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award for striving to have a positive impact in sports and within the community. His community service efforts involve supporting the Huckelberry House, a non-profit that serves at-risk and homeless youth in central Ohio.