Former Ohio State star Caleb Downs enters the 2026 NFL Draft cycle as one of the most elite defensive backs in college football history.
Let’s take a look at Downs’ college career, his key NIL partnerships, and what his projection looks like heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Caleb Downs’ NIL Portfolio and Net Worth
Downs reportedly has a valuation of approximately $2.4 million to $2.5 million and is frequently the only defensive player on national Top 10 NIL earner lists. His net worth can be estimated at around the same figure.
Downs signed an exclusive multi-year deal with Panini America in 2025, while being a recurring member of the “Beats Elite” class. He also signed an apparel deal as a “Rhoback U” athlete, while having other endorsement deals with American Eagle and Celsius. He is also heavily involved with The Foundation, one of the primary NIL collectives supporting Ohio State players.
Downs’ Journey to Ohio State
Downs was originally a priority target for Ohio State coming out of Mill Creek High School (Georgia), but he initially committed to Alabama. However, he entered the transfer portal after Nick Saban retired from Alabama. He was the undisputed No. 1 player in the portal that cycle after an incredible true freshman season at Alabama.
Downs later chose Ohio State, and his second recruitment in early 2024 saw Ryan Day and his staff beat out Georgia to land the elite safety.
Downs’ College State at Ohio State
In the 2024 season, Downs was primarily a safety and punt returner, recording 82 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups.
Downs started all 14 games for Ohio State in the 2025 season and was the defensive anchor for the Big Ten runner-up squad. He finished the season with 68 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles, securing an 83.5 score in the PFSN College Football Safety Impact Metric.
“What Caleb Downs has done for Ohio State and does every day, most of it you see is on the field, but what I see is off the field. He’s a special young man who has done a lot for this program. I’ll forever be in debt for what he’s done for us,” Day said about Downs after Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl loss to Miami. “Not only his play, but what he stands for off the field. Who he is, his family. He’s tremendous. He played his tail off tonight, and nobody hurts more than he does [about this loss].”
Downs’ most notable achievement in 2025 was becoming the sixth two-time unanimous All-American in Ohio State history, joining legends like Archie Griffin, Orlando Pace, and Marvin Harrison Jr. He also secured accolades like Thorpe Award winner, Big Ten Conference’s Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year, Lott IMPACT Trophy winner, Big Ten Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year, all-Big Ten, and Academic All-Big Ten.
Downs’ Stats at Alabama
Downs recorded 107 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 forced fumble in 14 games for Alabama in the 2023 season.
Downs’ NFL Draft Outlook
Downs is seen as a consensus top-10 prospect and the undisputed No. 1 safety on nearly every major big board. Recent mocks have him linked to the New York Giants (No. 5) and the Miami Dolphins (No. 11).
