Caleb Downs makes strong statement on the Ohio State football player who is going to take a huge step in 2026 for the Buckeyes
Caleb Downs is looking forward to one Buckeye especially in 2026 on the defense.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have to reload every single season with a ton of NFL-level talent leaving the program. 2026 will be no different as the Buckeyes will have several new starters.
Ohio State’s defense especially will have a high turnover from this past season’s team. Players like Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Davison Igbinosun, Kayden McDonald, Caden Curry, and Lorenzo Styles will be missed.
Just like every year, the Buckeyes should do a good job of reloading at those positions. The transfer portal was a key part of filling in for the Buckeyes, but their own players stepping up is going to happen too.
Caleb Downs is ready to see the next man up replacing him at Ohio State
The NFL Scouting Combine is taking place this week in Indianapolis and a bunch of former Buckeyes are taking part. As players work out in front of NFL decision makers, they also meet with the media and sometimes give good insight into the programs they’re leaving.
Downs is especially looking forward to Jaylen McClain’s second year as a starter for the Buckeyes.
“Honestly, I feel like you’re going to see him take a big step this year,” Downs stated. “He had to play around me, he had to defer a lot to me this year. But this next season he’s going to step out of his shell and be a leader on the team and do a lot. I’m looking forward to watching and I’ve called him multiple times. I’m looking forward to it.”
Downs was the Swiss Army knife in Ohio State’s secondary, who they moved around and held key leadership responsibility within the defense. McClain returns as Ohio State’s top safety, while the Buckeyes added Duke’s Terry Moore and Florida State’s Earl Little Jr. from the transfer portal to play a role as well.
McClain battled for the second safety spot alongside Downs ahead of the 2025 season and was the starter all year there. The junior made 53 tackles and three passes defended. McClain was a sound tackler for the Buckeyes and will step into a bigger role in 2026 as Downs mentioned.
Year 2 being coached under Matt Patricia’s defense will be big for McClain and he has a chance to have a big junior season before potentially heading to the NFL. The 6-foot safety played in 15 games as a true freshman and had 15 tackles to his credit.
Spring football starts up in a couple of weeks and McClain will be amongst the key returners for the Buckeyes. Don’t be surprised if he can step into a potential team leader role in Columbus next season.
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