Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs makes 2026 NFL Draft decision

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a great run with safety Caleb Downs.

Downs is a former 5-star recruit who committed to Alabama out of high school and then transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban retired.

This has been a win-win situation for both the Buckeyes and Downs. He was a big part of their championship run last season, and Downs has become one of the top defensive players in college football while playing in Columbus.

Notably, he's also one of the top names to watch in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

So, despite having one more year of eligibility to play college football, it's not all that surprising to hear that Downs has declared for the NFL Draft.

"Wearing the Scarlet and Grey means committing to excellence and chasing the ultimate goal. Being part of a team that brought a National Championship home is something I will always be proud of. Competing for Ohio State these past two years, alongside my teammates, and upholding this tradition has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Downs wrote in a statement released to social media.