One definite thing about Ohio State’s horrendous loss to Miami is that you can point fingers at everybody, from the O-line to the D-line, from Julian Sayin’s blunder pick-six to the RB corps. Except Caleb Downs. The Ohio State safety has been the best defensive player on the field for the Buckeyes the last two seasons, according to many. The football’s iconic $45 million duo came to the rescue of Downs to protect his stock interest following the Buckeyes’ disastrous performance.

On New Year’s, NFL legends Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco hopped onto their ‘The Night Cap’ podcast and decided to give Caleb Downs his ultimate flowers.

“Hey, man, I love that. Caleb Downs, that kid, that kid is a solid 10. He doesn’t miss any tackles. He is Johnny on the spot. He’s coming with bad intentions, too. He’s not the biggest. He’s—I mean, what do you think he was on? 6’2, 210?” Shannon Sharpe said.

Chad Ochocinco doubled down on it. “Something like that. But what he makes up for what he lacks in size, he makes up for in other areas. He’s rangy as hell; he can play down in the box. Hell, he can play; he can play free. And one thing about it, in open space, he is making that tackle every time.”

If you take any defensive player in college football today, nobody comes close to Caleb Downs in terms of making a variety of plays. Even in their loss to Miami, Caleb Downs balled out, especially in the second half.

Most of us wouldn’t be surprised if he had won MVP despite the loss. The safety made 8 total tackles and, get this, became the first player ever in CFP history to force two fumbles in a single game. Not bad for an undersized safety, right?

Truth is, he has been doing this ever since he set foot in Columbus or even in his Nick Saban Bama days. His game against Miami reflects his 2025 season.

Caleb was the anchor for the best defense in college football, a unit that allowed only about 8 points per game. His incredible play earned him some huge awards: the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy. He was also named a unanimous first-team All-American for the second year in a row. His stats for the season were great too: 60 tackles, two interceptions, and a ton of big plays.

The former Bama baller finished his college days with 248 total tackles, 6 interceptions, 12.5 tackles for losses, and some big-time forced fumbles (3).

So, the big question is, how good is he, really? Honestly? Some folks in the know are even calling him one of the greatest college football players of all time.

Popular consensus, even among the Michigan Wolverines fans, is that he’s easily, without a doubt, a projected top-10 or even top-5 pick for the 2026 NFL Draft for a reason.

Caleb Downs mock draft

As for the best team fit, that comes down to who needs a smart, do-it-all defensive back.

1) LA Rams: The Los Angeles Rams are a good possibility. They could land him with an approximate Pick #9 (via Atlanta), filling a significant need in their secondary as current safety Kam Curl faces free agency issues.

2) Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals finally need to come out of their rebuild era. Adding a talent like Downs could solidify their backfield, as veteran Budda Baker may potentially retire or leave in free agency.

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3) New York Jets: If the Jets decide against drafting a quarterback early, then why not Caleb Downs? With several safety free agents in the offseason, including Tony Adams and Andre Cisco, there are significant shoes to fill.

4) The Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings could be the go-to post for Caleb Downs (if they move on from JJ McCarthy). Their Harrison Smith, a franchise icon, is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and the Vikings need to find his long-term replacement. Downs would be a “dream target” for Minnesota as a potential long-term anchor for their defense.

In short, wherever he lands, expect big things. Downs is one of those rare college players who seem ready for the professional game immediately, and whichever team drafts him will likely be getting a future star.