Ohio State football star Caleb Downs had incredible reaction to being named a captain

From the minute Caleb Downs arrived in Columbus, he seemed to be mature beyond his years on and off the field.

Buckeye fans expected the on-field performance and Downs hasn't disappointed. He was a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2024. But it's been off-the-field leadership and the way he carries himself that has really elevated into a special place with Ohio State.

So when the junior was named team captain this week, he responded with all the class and humility that we've come to expect.

"I think it just shows God's presence in my life, the ability that he's given me to move here last year and have the impact that I've had and to create the relationships that I have with my teammates," Downs said. "I think it's just a blessing to be in the position I'm in."

Even better than advertised

Downs was arguably the top player available in the transfer portal in 2024. He was a five-star prospect in the 2023 class that committed to Alabama and was named SEC Freshman of the Year after leading the Crimson Tide in tackles. He entered the transfer portal after Nick Saban announced his retirement and committed to the Buckeyes in January 2024.

Downs was expected to be a major player for the Buckeyes' defense, and he lived up to the billing with 81 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and six pass breakups. He is in early projections to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with ESPN Draft expert Field Yates having Downs as the fifth-pick overall in his first mock draft.

But more than his talent, Downs clearly has the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches. His work ethic is praised often. Cornerback Davison Igbinosun says that Downs is a coach on the field and said there was no doubt that Downs was going to be a team captain this season. 

"I call him Coach Downs, actually. He just knows so much football," Igbinosun said. "So, he's a natural leader in that sense."

Now Downs' teammates can call him Captain.