Caleb Downs is heading to Ohio State for Transfer Portal After His Exit from Alabama
Following Nick Saban’s departure, defensive back Caleb Downs of Alabama entered the transfer portal as one of the finest players in the nation. Pete Nakos of On 3 reported that members of the Buckeyes coaching staff came to Georgia on Thursday to speak with Downs.
The Scarlet and Gray will have a difficult time persuading Downs to attend Ohio State. As mentioned by Nakos, Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia were the final three schools vying for his attention during his high school recruiting. The Bulldogs are expected to play a significant role in his choice to use the transfer site.
Georgia is not just nearer home, but the Bulldogs also added Travaris Robinson, a former defensive coordinator for Alabama, as a safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator. Ohio State’s coaches will have the chance to persuade Nakos that head coach Kirby Smart’s program “is thought to have the upper hand in his recruitment at the moment.” They can certainly put on quite the sales pitch.
All things considered, the Buckeyes’ lone regular-season defeat was last year, a six-point setback on the road against a Michigan squad that went on to win the national championship. They welcomed back a handful of important players who chose to postpone their NFL aspirations for another season in Columbus after only losing out on the opportunity to contend for a championship.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, linebacker Cody Simon, cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, and safety Lathan Ransom are among those in this group.
Quinshon Judkins, a standout running back from Ole Miss who moved to the Buckeyes this offseason, completes the talented group that should win a national championship in what seems to be a make-or-break season for head coach Ryan Day.
With Downs joining the group of returnees, the defense, which was among the best in the nation the previous season, would reach new heights.
As the SEC Freshman of the Year, Downs contributed 107 tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and four passes defensed to help lead the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoffs.
The Buckeyes would have an excellent defensive backfield if Downs paired with Ransom, who Pro Football Focus reported had the lowest passer rating allowed in coverage of any safety during the previous season. All they need to do is persuade him to come on board.