Caleb Downs has solidified his status as one of the elite defensive players in college football by winning the Jim Thorpe Award, which recognizes the nation’s top defensive back. This accolade adds to his impressive collection of honors, including the LOTT Impact Trophy, and underscores his remarkable performance during a season with Ohio State’s standout defense.
In the 2023 season, Downs recorded an impressive statistic line with 60 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and two pass breakups. His exceptional play on the field was pivotal in helping Ohio State establish itself as the top defense in the country. He triumphed over notable competitors, including LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore, to receive this prestigious award.
With this achievement, Downs becomes the third player from Ohio State to win the Jim Thorpe Award, following in the footsteps of Antoine Winfield in 1998 and Malcolm Jenkins in 2008, both of whom earned the award as cornerbacks. He also joins the ranks as the second safety from the Big Ten to receive this honor, after Tyrone Carter in 1999.
Downs’ journey to this recognition began at Alabama, where he was a second-team All-American and contributed significantly to the Crimson Tide’s run to the College Football Playoff. After the retirement of coach Nick Saban, he made the pivotal decision to transfer to Ohio State. Despite the challenges of adjusting to two different defensive coordinators, he emerged as a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defense, playing a crucial role in the team’s success, including breaking a four-game losing streak against Michigan and achieving the program’s first national title under head coach Ryan Day.
As Ohio State gears up for the Cotton Bowl on December 31, where they will face off against either Miami or Texas A&M, Caleb Downs is poised for what may be his final three games as a college athlete. With the Buckeyes aiming to defend their national championship, the anticipation surrounding his performance remains high.