In a notable transfer portal move, the Ohio State Buckeyes secured former Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs on Friday. Downs decided to transfer following Alabama’s 27-20 overtime loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the 2023 Rose Bowl. 

Despite interest from several top programs, including the Georgia Bulldogs, Downs chose Ohio State. Initially, there were expectations that he might return to his birth state by joining Georgia, as his hometown of Hoschton is just 43 minutes southeast of Athens, where the University of Georgia is located. However, his final call to commit to Ohio State is driven by a more ambitious cause. 

Caleb Downs commits to Ohio State

In a surprising move, former Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs, who led the Crimson Tide with 107 total tackles in his freshman season, has chosen to transfer to Ohio State. Speculations suggest that Downs might have been paid $3.5M by Ohio State to transfer. However, Steve Wiltfong suggests that for Downs, “Ohio State was always kind of the program he wanted to be at.” Since he could make a considerable impact and could potentially tell his family that “He helped Ohio State win a national championship. Also mentioned he’s not motivated by money.” His addition to Ohio State, under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, strengthens the defense further, supported by his father Gary’s confidence in the coaching staff. With Downs now on board, the Buckeyes can position themselves for a strong push toward the National Championship game in 2024.

Despite initial expectations that he might join Georgia, where his former defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson is now on staff, Downs ultimately decided to head to Columbus. Ohio State coaches capitalized on the opportunity to recruit Downs, and following an in-home visit, Downs committed to the Buckeyes. With three years of eligibility remaining, he is expected to make an immediate impact on the improving Ohio State defense under coordinator Jim Knowles.

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Ohio State adds 5-star quarterback to their arsenal 

Former five-star quarterback Julian Sayin, who initially committed to Alabama in the 2024 class, has made a significant decision to transfer to Ohio State. This move comes after entering the transfer portal following the retirement of Alabama coach Nick Saban and the transfer of 2023 four-star quarterback Austin Mack to Alabama. Expressing his excitement about joining Ohio State, Sayin highlighted the program’s esteemed reputation, and he looks forward to learning from some of the most talented players and coaches in college football. His commitment adds to the trend of Alabama transfers to Ohio State for the 2024 season, including safety Caleb Downs and center Seth McLaughlin.

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Notably, Ohio State recently made a strategic coaching addition by bringing on former Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien. This move is expected to enhance the offensive prowess of the Buckeyes. As they gear up for the 2024 season, Ohio State boasts a quarterback lineup that includes a mix of experienced transfers like Sayin and promising young talents, including Kansas State transfer Will Howard, redshirt sophomore Devin Brown, redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz, and freshman Air Noland–ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the 2024 class according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. The Buckeyes are poised for an exciting and competitive season with their revamped quarterback roster.

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