Safety Caleb Downs — the No. 8 player in the Class of 2023 and No. 1 player in the transfer portal who had a standout freshman season at Alabama — has decided to transfer to Ohio State, his father Gary Downs told 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong. Caleb Downs entered the transfer portal after former Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement last week.
It was believed that Georgia would be the favorite to land Downs given he’s a Peach State native; however, the SEC Freshman of the Year instead decided to join a Buckeyes team that has been loading up on talent and coaches this offseason. Downs had a tremendous rookie campaign as a key part of Alabama’s turnaround and eventual run to the College Football Playoff.
“Obviously we’re not starting from square one of recruiting,” his father told 247Sports when Downs entered the portal. “We know so many of these coaches already. We’ve been a lot of places. There are certain parameters of things he’s looking for.”
