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Ex-Michigan player begrudgingly calls Ohio State player 'best college football player

The former Michigan player had some great things to say about the potential top 10 pick.
ByRyan Stano|
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Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) celebrate during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) celebrate during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Thursday is the day that several Ohio State football players will realize their dreams of playing in the NFL. The first round of the NFL Draft will have at least four players hear their names called. All four might go in the top 10. There's also a chance that Kayden McDonald gets selected at the end of the first round, too.

It has become a little unclear over the last few days which Buckeye will be the first one taken. For most of the process, it was expected to be Arvell Reese for most of the pre-draft process, as his tools and athleticism are too enticing to pass up. However, his stock seems to be slipping just a little bit.

There is a chance that Caleb Downs is the top Buckeye taken. Even haters of the Ohio State Buckeyes are conceding that Downs is a fantastic player. In fact, a former Michigan player has given Downs a lot of praise, calling him the best college football player he's ever seen.

Former Michigan player gives Caleb Downs some major praise

Former TTUN tackle Taylor Lewan has no love lost for the Buckeyes. Yet, he took to social media to call Downs the one of the best college football players he's ever watched.

Lewan is right to say that. The tape doesn't lie. Downs might not be the most athletic defensive player in the draft, but he is the most impactful. He won the Jim Thorpe Award this past season, showing the impact that he had on the field. Ohio State wouldn't have won the national championship in 2024 without him.

Downs is someone who just will make plays out on the field and is a winning player. Even a former TTUN player can recognize that value. Whichever team takes Downs is going to be very happy with the quality of football player they get, as well as the quality of person.

According to the final mock draft from Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Downs will go to the Giants with the fifth overall pick. Thursday night will be a crowning achievement for the Buckeyes.

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