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Caleb Downs: Ohio State’s talent is ‘above or right at’ an elite SEC level

Sean Labar

By Sean Labar

Published:

The Ohio State Buckeyes are entering the 2024 college football season with monumental expectations.

Now that Jim Harbaugh is out of the way and in the NFL, Ryan Day no longer has any excuse to fall to the Wolverines. But even further than that, the 2024 Buckeyes have one of the most talented rosters in the country and their fan base believes they should compete for the national title.

While the offense is the biggest question mark since quarterback Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse and Chip Kelly has taken the reigns as the new OC, the Ohio State defense is entering the new campaign as one of the most talented units in the country.

Ohio State’s 2024 defense was already projected to be the best in the country before Caleb Downs committed to the Buckeyes. Now that the Freshman All-American safety from Alabama is officially in Columbus, the Buckeyes’ 2024 defense has the potential to be record-breaking.

Before Downs committed, the two biggest question marks that lingered for Ohio State’s 2024 defense were the free safety position and the Will linebacker position. Downs’ commitment could address both of those positions, as he will immediately plug in as a starting safety while his addition alongside Lathan Ransom frees up Sonny Styles to move closer to the line of scrimmage and play LB.

On paper, those should be the final two puzzle pieces to round out an 11-man starting lineup on defense that is full of experienced and talented players who are all capable of being the top-ranked players at their respective positions.

Downs spent his true freshman season playing in the SEC under Nick Saban at Alabama and he thrived going up against the top talent in college football. He closed out the 2023 campaign with 70 solo tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions and one forced fumble.

The new Ohio State DB was recently asked about the talent level he’s faced in Columbus compared to the SEC and said it’s basically been the same by Adam King, who covers the team for 10TV.

“Above or right at the same level, but it doesn’t matter about the talent level. We have to be a disciplined team,” said Downs. “It’s all about playing every snap like it’s your last.”

 

Downs then made a bold statement that will certainly catch the eyes of coaches and players around the country.

“We could be one of the most elite defenses to ever play in this game,” Downs said.

We’ll see if Downs and the defense can deliver on that kind of proclamation.

 

Sean Labar