The Ohio State Buckeyes was able to acquire several star players via the transfer portal last offseason, which has helped the program make a push for a national championship. However, there is one player who has really established himself as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After his impressive freshman year in 2023, safety Caleb Downs has continued to develop into one of the best players in college football this season. The former five-star recruit and Alabama standout has already racked up 34 total tackles and three pass breakups.
NFL draft analyst Todd McShay shared his thoughts on social media Monday night, stating that Downs is the best safety in the country.
This is completely random on a Monday night… but just watching Ohio State D tape… Caleb Downs is the best safety in the country. He’s just different. One of the best soccer players in the country. He would be a top-15 pick in the 2025 draft if eligible. Maybe top 10…
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) November 5, 2024
Although there are several draft-eligible prospects on the Buckeyes’ roster, it was Downs who caught McShay’s attention. The last time an Ohio State safety was selected in the NFL Draft was back in 2020, when Jordan Fuller was taken in the sixth round of Los Angeles Rams. Downs would also be the first Buckeyes safety since Malik Hooker in 2017 to be selected in the first round.
Downs wouldn’t be the first member of his family to make it to the NFL. His father, Garywas a running back selected in the third round of the New York Giants 1994. His older brother, Joshis currently in the NFL as a wide receiver for Indianapolis Colts. However, the highly touted safety has a chance to become the first in his family to be drafted in round one.
