Ohio State is reportedly conducting an in-home visit with transfer safety Caleb Downs from Alabama.
After the retirement of seven-time national champion head coach Nick Saban, Caleb Downs entered the transfer portal on Wednesday. Ohio State and Georgia, with the recent signing of Downs’ former secondary coach Travaris Robinson as co-defensive coordinator, are viewed as the top contenders for the 2023 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year.
Ohio State, in its second pursuit of Downs, previously finished as the runner-up to Alabama during the high school recruitment of the five-star defensive back in 2023. Despite signing with the Crimson Tide as the No. 6 overall prospect and No. 1 safety in the class, Downs became an immediate starter in Saban’s defense, showcasing All-SEC level performance with 107 tackles, three pass breakups, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and a punt return touchdown.
Although safety is not a position of urgent need for Ohio State, the addition of a player of Downs’ caliber – currently ranked as the top prospect in the transfer portal by ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren – would undoubtedly be welcomed in Columbus. The free safety position for the Buckeyes is currently up for grabs after the graduation of Josh Proctor, with candidates Malik Hartford and Ja’Had Carter, along with the possibility of Lathan Ransom transitioning from strong safety.
According to a report by Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, Downs aims to make a swift decision to enroll in classes and begin training with his new team.
