Caleb Downs eyes top-10 spot in the 2026 NFL draft after Ohio State success
Former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs shared a message for his former school ahead of the draft.
"The people you're around, they get the best out of you," Downs said on Wednesday, per Eleven Warriors recruiting. "Whether it is the training staff, nutrition staff, support staff. [They are] always pouring into you to make you a better person."
Downs started his collegiate career at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State. He thrived once arriving in Columbus, posting back-to-back seasons with 45+ solo tackles and two interceptions.
Downs made it clear that he is proud to have played for the Buckeyes for two years. He also understands the responsibility of representing Ohio State in the NFL.
"Ohio State has an excellent tradition and a winning tradition, so I feel like that's a special thing to be a part of," Downs concluded.
Downs is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the 2026 draft class. He is projected to go off the board somewhere in the top 10 with seemingly every team a potential fit.
The floor for Downs could easily be the 10th overall pick. One NFL insider believes that Downs could be the pick for New York after the recent Dexter Lawrence trade.
It will be exciting to see which team drafts Downs on Thursday night.
