Former Ohio State special teams legend predicted Caleb Downs' punt return touchdown
The Ohio State Buckeyes broke a decade-long spell where they failed to produce a punt return for a touchdown. Star safety Caleb Downs only had six career returns entering this week, but Ryan Day called his number anyway. The Buckeyes needed a spark. Former Ohio State star Ted Ginn Jr., one of the most explosive […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes broke a decade-long spell where they failed to produce a punt return for a touchdown. Star safety Caleb Downs only had six career returns entering this week, but Ryan Day called his number anyway. The Buckeyes needed a spark.
Former Ohio State star Ted Ginn Jr., one of the most explosive and talented playmakers in the country throughout his tenure with the Buckeyes and in the NFL, didn't know who would be returning punts this week. But he called his shot before the game, saying he predicted the Buckeyes would end their cold spell without a punt return at the Big Ten Tailgate.
Then, Downs proceeded to produce this insane 79-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Buckeye fans hadn't seen this since 2014 when Jaylin Marshall returned a punt for a score against Indiana.
Ginn was a standout player at Ohio State University, where he showcased his skills as a wide receiver and return specialist from 2004 to 2006. Renowned for his incredible speed and exciting playmaking abilities, Ginn quickly established himself as one of college football's most dynamic athletes.
In his freshman year in 2004, Ginn made an immediate impression, especially as a punt returner. He scored four punt return touchdowns that season, demonstrating his capability to dramatically alter the course of games. His impressive performance earned him recognition as a freshman All-American.
During his sophomore year, Ginn broadened his contributions to the Buckeyes' offense. He recorded 51 receptions for 803 yards and four receiving touchdowns, all while maintaining his excellence on special teams with an additional kickoff return touchdown.
His versatility and explosive playstyle made him a daunting challenge for opposing defenses and special teams.
Ginn's junior year in 2006 was his most productive as a receiver, with 59 receptions for 781 yards and nine touchdowns. That season, Ohio State made it to the BCS National Championship Game, where Ginn scored an unforgettable 93-yard kickoff return touchdown to start the game. Unfortunately, an injury he sustained during the celebration hampered his performance for the remainder of the match.
After his junior season, Ginn chose to enter the NFL Draft, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of the most electrifying players in Ohio State history.
