After Ohio State’s loss to Miami, the focus shifted to the players who had a decision to make on their future. Caleb Downs, the Alabama transfer who has been the leader of the Buckeyes’ defense, has been projected as a top 10 pick in the draft. Now, he has announced his decision.

The elite safety confirmed on social media that he will enter the 2026 draft. Downs has built an incredible resume over the past three years, while NFL franchises have taken note of his quick rise in college football. However, he was in the midst of a big dilemma. Downs had one season of eligibility remaining after 2025. However, how he used it could alter the course of his career.

“It’s a champagne problem,” he said in the January 7 episode of Downs 2 Business. Either way, it’s a celebration to go back to school and be with my teammates, or to go [to] the dream that I had when I was a kid. So, it’s something that’s been on my head for a minute. But, I’m just thankful to be in a situation and for my family for walking me through it and everything like that. But I think it’s time to go to the NFL.”

With Caleb Downs’ decision, the 2026 draft will get one of the best defenders in the country. This is someone who can emerge at the top right from the get-go. Downs led the Alabama defense in tackles (107) as a rookie and also won SEC Freshman of the Year. He came to Ohio State a year later and went on to create an even bigger mark. He will enter the draft as a two-time All-American honoree and a National Championship winner.

The DB will be the fourth Downs to join the NFL. His father, Gary Downs, was in the league for 7 seasons. His uncle, Dre Bly, played in the NFL for 11 seasons. Caleb’s brother, Josh Downs, a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, will surely be excited to play with/against him in the NFL.

Had Downs returned, it would have saved Ryan Day a lot of trouble. The former’s departure is a gut punch to the DBs room for 2026, forcing inexperienced players to take on a bigger role. The only reliable option is Jaylen McClain, who has to team up with Malik Hartford, Faheem Delane, and Leroy Roker III. Ryan Day now has one more position to fill in the transfer portal. This was bound to happen anyway, because 2026 was the right time for Downs to go pro.

The DB is not yet guaranteed to be a Top 10 pick, due to his position. Safeties tend to be seen as low-priority players who rarely find a place this high in the draft. However, he has developed into an extremely versatile player, with Ohio State having used him practically everywhere in the box. Downs is not just any other college safety—he’s a defensive weapon who will quietly be a nuisance for offenses. His flexibility is what makes him special.

With the draft order rounding up, the safety is predicted to find a home with a team that has some equally big-name players like him.

Caleb Downs can be among the NFL elite with Kansas City

Bleacher Report predicted Downs to go to the Chiefs as the 9 pick. Though the Chiefs are more in need of a pass rusher, the safety is too big a prospect to pass on. Plus, he can still make an impact in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense at any position. Coincidentally, he will also become the next safety to be selected as a Top 10 pick after Chiefs icon Eric Berry. In October, the publication tabbed him as a comparison for the OSU star.

“Downs is a do-it-all safety in the best sense of the description,” Daniel Harms wrote. “He has the instincts and speed to play over the top of the defense, route-recognition and football IQ to come down as a robber or two-high player, and the ability to man-cover tight ends as a big nickel.”

Downs is also able to track the quarterback’s eyes while analyzing routes before breaking on them. He’s also extremely athletic and can switch between zone and man coverage and change his direction. The safety can do a lot for his position, and even outside of it. All these skills make a strong case for him to create history as a top pick in the draft. The question now is, will the Chiefs win the race in getting him off the board?

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