Ohio State Buckeyes Safety Caleb Downs was one of the most sought-after prospects in the class of 2023. Downs was considered the country’s top safety, the top player from the state of Georgia, and the eighth-best prospect overall according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.
Like so many elite defensive backs before him, the 5’11, 197-pounder from Hoschton, Georgia, committed and signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Downs made an immediate impact and quickly became one of the top safeties in the country, making 107 tackles with two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, helping lead the Tide into the College Football Playoff.
However, after the Tide were defeated by the Michigan Wolverines, who would go on to win the National Championship, legendary head coach Nick Saban decided to call it quits on arguably the greatest coaching career in college football history.
Caleb Downs Transferred From Alabama to Ohio State
Despite the Tide hiring Washington Huskies head man Kalen DeBoer, who has had an extremely successful career and has led the Huskies to the National Championship game, Downs decided to enter the transfer portal, where he immediately became the top player available.
Downs decided on one of the only programs in the country that has been on the same level (or at least close to) Alabama – the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The decision certainly paid off as Downs was excellent again, making 81 tackles, picking off two passes, and recording half a sack. Although the Buckeyes lost two regular-season games, including an upset loss to the rival Michigan Wolverines, they found themselves back in the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes earned blowout victories over the Tennessee Volunteers and Oregon Ducks (avenging their other regular-season loss) before taking down the Texas Longhorns in the semifinals and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the title game to claim the National Championship.
Why Does Caleb Downs Wear Number 2?
Downs returned to Ohio State for his junior year this season and is considered arguably the best safety in college football.
Although Downs is known for his game on the field, he’s been recognized as an excellent person off the field as well. In fact, there is a special reason that Downs stuck with the jersey number he originally picked because his favorite number wasn’t available.
“The reason why Caleb Downs wears number 2 is wholesome ❤️,” says thecollegefootballu. “After his favorite childhood number was already taken, he switched to wearing No. 2. Over time, the number gained a deeper meaning for him, representing his belief that Jesus comes before football, with family right after. He’s a great role model for kids to look up to🥹”
Downs being a role model off the field is obviously great, and he still remains one of college football’s best players. He’s helped lead the No. 1 Buckeyes to a 2-0 start, including a season-opening 14-7 victory over the then top-ranked Longhorns.
