During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ohio State football team had a mind-blowing 14 players selected. As you might have been able to guess, that was No. 1 for all colleges out there, once again showcasing how great of a job this program does at developing players.
Come next April, even more playmakers will be ready to hear their names called, with the list of course including Caleb Downs. The Buckeyes safety is coming off a brilliant year, playing a big role in this team winning the natty in 2024.
He's focused on helping OSU repeat as champs, but there's already plenty of buzz surrounding his name for his future in the pros. In a new ESPN Mock Draft for 2026, reporter Jordan Reid has Downs going No. 5 overall. That's the good news. The bad news? He's landing in a not so ideal spot with the Cleveland Browns, a franchise which has been a circus for quite some time.
ESPN's new 2026 mock draft has Caleb Downs going No. 5 overall to Cleveland
"After getting their quarterback at No. 1 (Cade Klubnik), the Browns could use their second first-round pick to keep Downs in-state. He's the complete package at safety -- active, instinctive and capable of shutting down the middle of the field. He had two interceptions and seven pass breakups last season, but Downs can also make plays in the backfield via the blitz; his 7.5 tackles for loss were 14th among all defensive backs."
There's no question that Downs is a future playmaker in the NFL, as he has already showcased he's got the potential to be one of the best defensive players in college football next season. He's a fan favorite too, as his explosive play is something people love seeing in Columbus.
In order for Ohio State to have another head-turning campaign in '26, Downs is no question going to have to be at his best. Day and Co. have no doubts that will be the case, as the safety was as dependable as could be last fall and winter.
Soon enough, Downs will remind everyone of how dynamic he is. Then once '25 comes to a close, he'll be ready to make the leap to the pros and keep operating at an unreal level. Will he do so as a Top 5 pick? We'll agree with Reid and say yes.