The Ohio State Buckeyes are currently in contention for arguably the most sought-after player in the transfer portal this offseason. According to reports from On3, Ohio State and Georgia are the primary contenders in the race to acquire the services of Caleb Downs, a five-star transfer from Alabama who recently entered the portal. Downs, ranked as the No. 1 overall player in 247Sports’ transfer rankings, is one of only five individuals on the list with a five-star rating.
During the 2023 class recruitment, the Buckeyes were among the finalists for Downs before he ultimately chose Alabama. Following the retirement of Nick Saban, Downs is one of several Alabama players who have entered the transfer portal, and he is regarded as one of the most promising prospects among them. In his inaugural collegiate season, Downs showcased his talent with impressive stats, including 107 total tackles (70 solo), one forced fumble, three passes defended, and two interceptions. Additionally, he made an impact on special teams, recording four punt returns for 87 yards and a touchdown, with a notable 85-yard punt return for a score in Alabama’s victory over Chattanooga.
Despite the reported “upper hand” for Georgia in securing Downs, Ohio State remains in the running. If the Buckeyes manage to secure his commitment, they would gain an exceptional playmaker for both defense and special teams. This potential acquisition could significantly bolster Ohio State’s talent pool as they seek to rebound from what has been considered a disappointing season by the program and its fans.
