Ohio State football vs. Akron: Three key players to watch

3. Caleb Downs

The best player to enter the transfer portal in the offseason was Caleb Downs. The safety comes to Ohio State from Alabama already a bona fide star. Downs already could be the best safety in the country as a sophomore. He led the Crimson Tide in tackles as a true freshman.

Downs comes in at safety and that allows Sonny Styles to move into the Will linebacker spot. That should help the defense be able to stop the run a bit better than they did last year. The Buckeyes were good in that regard, but not quite elite. They want to be elite this year.

I fully expect to see Downs' presence to be noticed immediately in this game. He will move all around the field in pass coverage and when they want to stop the run. Akron is going to have to be aware of where he is at all times. They will likely try to avoid him when throwing it.

Akron won't play a defense this good in any other game this season. I don't suspect that they will be ready to handle it. Ohio State is going to be flying all over the place and they should be able to force multiple turnovers. I wouldn't be surprised if Downs has one of those.

This is going to be a fun game to watch. The season-opening game always is.