With just two regular-season games remaining, the No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) are charging toward the College Football Playoff, and junior safety Caleb Downs continues to be one of the biggest reasons why.
The Buckeyes are fresh off a commanding 48-10 victory over UCLA last Saturday — their eighth game this year holding opponents to 10 points or fewer. Downs contributed three tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage, in another dominant defensive outing.
Now, the former Alabama transfer has earned another major accolade.
On Thursday, Ohio State proudly revealed that Downs is one of the five finalists for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player.
“Bronko Nagurski Finalist, @caleb_downs2,” the program posted on X.
Joining Downs on the shortlist, according to On3’s Brett McMurphy, are Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
Through 10 games this fall, Downs has compiled 46 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, and one pass breakup while serving as a vocal leader in the Buckeyes’ secondary. For the third consecutive week, Ohio State sits atop the College Football Playoff rankings, and Downs’ consistent excellence has been a driving force.
A win would make him just the third Buckeye ever to claim the Nagurski Trophy, joining defensive end Chase Young (2019) and linebacker James Laurinaitis (2006).
First, though, Ohio State turns its attention to a 5-5 Rutgers squad this Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET on Fox, with the Buckeyes aiming to stay undefeated before closing the regular season against arch-rival Michigan.
