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The Buckeyes added a big piece to their 2024 secondary with the signing of Freshman All-American Caleb Downs in the transfer portal. The safety was one of Alabama’s star players the year prior, racking up 107 tackles and a pair of picks in his first season on campus.
After legendary head coach Nick Saban abruptly retired, the defensive back chose to look elsewhere for a place to finish his playing career. Downs wound up at another national title contending team in Ohio State.
He’s expected to land an immediate starting role on the back end of the defense, with Buckeye fans getting their first glimpse of his talents at spring practice.
That session began on March 5th in Columbus, and Downs has already impressed.
Caleb Downs certainly looks the part in his first spring practice at Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/xOdzUACEoj
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) March 5, 2024
While seemingly excited for the opportunity to compete in the SEC, a recent rumor of second thoughts gained traction early this week.
This came after former teammate Kadyn Proctor, who transferred to Iowa this offseason, unveiled his plan to return to Tuscaloosa before ever suiting up for the Hawkeyes.
Noted in that shocking announcement was a reported spring break trip taken by the offensive lineman that also included other Alabama players.
Was Caleb Downs on that trip?
Alabama fans would lead you to believe so.
The dates line up, only fueling the online fire. Speculation of a change of heart only grew from there.
Looking at his social media follows, it was discovered that he followed Alabama football, but not Ohio State. He also didn’t have the Buckeyes listed in his bio.
all i’m saying regarding caleb downs pic.twitter.com/T8gJE47jND
— ☆ sadie ☆ (@SadieDeMent) March 20, 2024
Was there legitimacy to the claims?
Ohio State’s NIL Collective put the rumors to bed.
In a conveniently timed X post, The Foundation quieted the noise by spotlighting the Buckeyes’ new star.
Our student athlete partner Caleb Downs is locked in and ready for a big year! Go Bucks! https://t.co/htkLB83pbF pic.twitter.com/TJckPH7RVS
— THE Foundation (@TheFoundation1_) March 20, 2024
The Foundation is “THE #1 Non-Profit NIL collective for Ohio State football and basketball,” according to its website.
They don’t seem too worried about Downs leaving anytime soon!
Further proving their point is the fact that the safety was back at practice after spring break commenced. The same can’t be said for Proctor – who informed Iowa coaches of his plan to transfer just before the start of the Hawkeyes’ spring practice session.
Caleb Downs is locked in at Ohio State. A transfer doesn’t appear to be in his immediate future.