Caleb Downs, S
Ohio State has a talented secondary filled with multiple future NFL starters and first and second-round draft picks, led by First-Team All-American safety Caleb Downs and starting cornerback Denzel Burke.
Downs' impact on the game extends to multiple sides of the football, as a star playmaker for Ohio State's defense and an elusive punt returner. He's the only P4 player in college football this season with multiple interceptions and punts returned for touchdowns since the start of 2023.
One of the big matchups to watch in the Cotton Bowl next week in the CFP semis between Texas and Ohio State will be Longhorns' senior tight end Gunnar Helm against Downs at safety for the Buckeyes. Helm, Texas's most-targeted receiver this season for Ewers, has been a top producer and a critical weapon for the Longhorns' passing offense. He scored the eventual game-winning touchdown in double-overtime on the first play against Arizona State.
Downs is one of the top playmakers at the safety position in college football. He's registered three interceptions, two fumbles, and double-digit pass breakups since his freshman season at Alabama in 2023.
He will be one of the top NFL Draft picks at defensive back in the 2026 class in a couple of years.