Ex-Alabama star Caleb Downs commits to Big Ten team
Jan 5, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; A view of the Alabama Crimson Tide logo is seen at the Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama safety Caleb Downs has reportedly chosen his next team. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Crimson Tide star is committing to Ohio State.
Downs became arguably the biggest non-quarterback to enter the transfer portal following the retirement of legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban. The true freshman was an immediate impact player for a Crimson Tide squad that had its ups and downs this past season.
Source: Caleb Downs is committing to Ohio State. The former Alabama safety led the Tide in tackles this season. pic.twitter.com/zCKNczi65W
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 20, 2024
Downs was projected to land on Alabama’s SEC rival Georgia before his committal to Ohio State. Georgia had just recently hired Downs’ defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson to become the Bulldogs’ co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
The 19-year-old safety led Alabama with 107 total tackles, which was over 50% more than runner-up Deontae Lawson’s total of 67. Downs was also second on the team with 2 interceptions.
Ohio State supporters will be delighted to know that Downs was very effective during Alabama’s College Football Playoff loss to Michigan earlier this month. Downs led his team with 8 tackles and nearly started the game with an interception on Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy before it was wiped away.
Downs is far from the only blue-chip star to spurn Alabama for a different program of late. The Crimson Tide have lost several top players and recruits in the wake of Saban’s retirement.
