Caleb Downs is one of only three starters returning from an Ohio State defense that ranked first nationally and won the football national championship.
With so many departures of players to the NFL, it’s natural to expect the Buckeyes’ defense to be less dominant this year. Downs, who was a unanimous All-America safety in 2024, doesn’t believe regression is inevitable.
“I think we have the chance to be just as good as we were last year, just based off the talent that we have,” he said. “We’re still Ohio State. We still have a lot of talent.”
Though eight starters are gone, the Buckeyes have plenty of players who saw significant action last year in backup roles. Downs named defensive linemen Kenyatta Jackson, Kayden McDonald, Will Smith, Eddrick Houston and Caden Curry among the players ready to emerge.
“Those guys have been here and waited their turn,” Downs said. “Just to see them step into new roles, it’s going to be great to watch.”
Ohio State also has a new defensive coordinator. Jim Knowles left after three seasons to run Penn State’s defense. Coach Ryan Day hired Matt Patricia, who was on Bill Belichick’s staff during the New England Patriots‘ dynasty, to replace Knowles.
“Great teacher, great educator of the game,” Downs said of Patricia. “I’ve learned a lot from him in his short time here. He’s taught me a lot of football, so I’m excited for how we’re going to play on the field.”
Preseason camp starts at the end of the month, and Downs said players have been diligent in preparing for it.
“We’re having a lot of meetings, getting more familiar with the system and then doing small things on the field, player-led things,” he said. “We’re putting ourselves in positions to learn the defense better and be in a position to play fast during fall camp.”
Downs, linebacker Sonny Styles and cornerback Davison Igbinosun are OSU’s returning starters on defense. Downs is considered perhaps the best defensive player in the country.
In the recently released EA College Football ’26 video game, Downs is the highest-rated defensive player nationally with a rating of 96. OSU sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who shares the cover of the regular version of the game with Alabama receiver Ryan Williams, has the highest score with a 98.
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Downs is on the cover of the deluxe version of the game. He, Smith and Day flew to the Rose Bowl in the spring for the cover shoot.
“I got a call from my marketing guy who said, ‘You’re going to have the opportunity to be on the cover of EA Sports,’” Downs said. “My jaw dropped for a second. I was like, ‘Dang, that’s crazy.’ Just to have the opportunity to be a part of that is a true honor and something I can savor for the rest of my life.”
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Ohio State football beat writer Bill Rabinowitz can be reached at brabinowitz@dispatch.com or on bluesky at billrabinowitz@bsky.social.
