‘I feel like it’s my job’ – Caleb Downs’ strong message shows why Ohio State won’t be able to replace him after 2025
He is like having a coach on the field and that is going to be tough to replace.
The Ohio State Buckeyes returned a large number of draft-eligible players last season, and that continuity helped them capture a National Championship. Heading into 2025, the Buckeyes don’t have the same luxury, and they’ll need some new faces to step up.
Ohio State does, however, bring back a few key stars—most notably Jeremiah Smith, Caleb Downs, and Sonny Styles. Having Smith and Downs in particular is massive, as both may be among the very best players in college football.
With Downs entering his junior year, this will likely be his final season leading the Buckeyes’ defense. Once the former Alabama transfer heads to the NFL, he’ll be nearly impossible to replace.
“God has blessed me with an innate sense to see this game,” Downs said on Tuesday. “I feel like it’s my job to share it with my teammates. There’s really no other way to say it. If I want this to be the best team we can be, I have to share it with everybody.”
That comment came after cornerback Davison Igbinosun jokingly referred to the Buckeyes safety as “Coach Downs.” His football intelligence jumps off the screen, and clearly, his teammates see it too.
In 2024, Downs racked up 82 tackles, two interceptions, eight tackles for loss, and even returned a punt for a touchdown. The All-American now heads into his third college season—and his first under new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
If Ohio State wants to boast one of the nation’s best defenses again in 2025, expect Downs to be at the center of it. The Buckeyes open their season with a tough matchup against Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns on Aug. 30.
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