Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Staff Writer January 19, 2024, 8:54 p.m. ET
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- Joined ESPN in 2011
- Graduated from Central Michigan
Former Alabama freshman safety Caleb Downs is transferring to Ohio State, a source tells ESPN.
Downs led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles this season, becoming the first true freshman in program history to do so. He was a five-star prospect in the 2023 class, ranked 11th overall and was the No. 1 safety out of Hoschton, Georgia.
Downs entered the transfer portal on January 17th and many thought he would end up at Georgia. His former defensive line coach, Travaris Robinson, moved to the Georgia staff and despite new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer's efforts to bring Robinson back to the Alabama staff, Robinson remained with the Dawgs.
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However, Downs had considered Ohio State during his recruitment, and the Buckeyes were believed to be ranked second to Alabama at the time.
The Ohio State coaches were given another opportunity to recruit Downs, and after a home visit with Downs and his family, he is now headed to Ohio State.
He has three years of eligibility remaining and will immediately contribute to a Buckeyes defense that has improved tremendously in year two under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Downs joins the Buckeyes' already extensive list of impending impact transfers with Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins and Alabama center Seth McLaughlin.