SEC Freshman of the Year Caleb Downs shocked the college football world with his decision to transfer out of Alabama.
Despite a phenomenal 2023 season, Downs was plucked away by the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Of course, NIL compensation is assumed to have a whole lot to do with his decision. But it’s not like the Crimson Tide couldn’t have put something together to convince him to stay in Tuscaloosa.
Just a daily reminder that Caleb Downs is a Buckeye π°. pic.twitter.com/pNyqBCqo25
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) April 3, 2024
Regardless, Downs is now a Buckeye and will look to help Ryan Day’s squad get to the promised land.
Love it or hate it, this type of player movement has become a very common theme in college football. Until a better system and structure is put in place, it will just keep on happening.
The transfer portal changed college football forever.
And these guys used it to their advantage.
Is there anyone I missed from this list?? β¬οΈ pic.twitter.com/AzrHS5g2Zw
— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman81) April 3, 2024
With stud offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor’s controversial decision to transfer BACK to Alabama after originally leaving for his home-state Iowa Hawkeyes, rumors began to circulate that Downs may be eyeing a similar path.
However, Downs did his best to squash those rumors once and for all.
“I didn’t feel like I needed to say anything,” Downs remarked. “Because at the end of the day, I was still at practice, I was still with my teammates. My actions speak for themselves.”
Caleb Downs had a phenomenal freshman season last year– that's no secret.
One key to it? His confidence.
"Last year it wasn't 'I think I can do it', it was 'God put me here to do it, let's do it, there's nothing else to think about." pic.twitter.com/ulmprgz735
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) April 3, 2024
Since his arrival at Ohio State, Downs has impressed coaches with his versatility and work ethic, practicing at multiple safety positions within the secondary.
“He’s really special,” praised Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri. “Talent is a God-given thing. But the discipline and skill you develop over time in your life, he’s been able to do that.”
OSU Safeties coach Matt Guerrieri on Caleb Downs:
"It's like coaching a professional player he understands the concepts and the game so well. He's put so much time into it… I can't say enough about who Caleb Downs is, it's been awesome." #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/kCJUwihSST
— Kellyanne Stitts (@KellyanneStitts) April 3, 2024
Downs has also fallen in love with the city of Columbus, Ohio.
“I love the city,” he affirmed. “I love High Street. I love going to the restaurants. The food is great. I’ve got no complaints.”
No idea why Caleb Downs would turn down living in Columbus Ohio, I mean look at the views pic.twitter.com/iptCqxB6ts
— Brian Barney (@bbarney22) January 17, 2024
As far as Proctor, he understandably took a lot of heat from Iowa fans who felt used and abused by his decision to leave the program after just joining.
However, Downs made it clear that he has his ex-teammates back.
“If that’s what he feels is best, that’s what he feels is best,” he stated. “I support him.”
Caleb downs is officially a Buckeye. pic.twitter.com/TD2e6Cxtbv
— ππ©π€π§π’π―π¦ (@vStormzWrld) March 29, 2024
Amidst ongoing legal challenges to NCAA transfer restrictions, guidance issued last month allows multi-transfers to play immediately during the next academic year. Downs sees this as a fair opportunity for players amidst the ever-evolving coaching landscape.
“The coaches have the same right to do what they do,” he reflected. “A coach can come for a month and leave. Then he’s leaving the player high and dry. If they’re going to have the ability, why wouldn’t the players have some type of say in their life?”
"Coach can come here for a month and leave…If they are going to have the ability to do it, why would the players not have some type of say in their life?"
Caleb Downs shared his thoughts on this new age of college athlete transfers, and the transfer portal speculation after hisβ¦ pic.twitter.com/rPJO3Y33rt— Whitney Harding (@WhitneyNBC4) April 4, 2024
Having said that, Ohio State fans can apparently rest easy knowing that Downs isn’t planning on leaving Columbus anytime soon.
With him patrolling the secondary, the Buckeyes are going to be extra tough to beat.
After all, they were already going to enter the 2024 season as a top-two team without him. But with him, they figure to be that much stronger.
Is Ohio State the most talented team entering 2024? pic.twitter.com/4a3z7Sys6R
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 31, 2024
What are your thoughts on Downs as a player?
Do you look at Ohio State as the favorites to win the national championship next season?
In the bigger picture, what are your thoughts on the current structure of college football and the whole Wild Wild West world of NIL and the transfer portal???
I took them the night the Caleb Downs transfer was announced π π° https://t.co/bkmJIVU7CX
— Brandon Long (@A_Long_Bear) April 3, 2024