When you think of generational college football talents, Travis Hunter stands out as a rare two-way force.
But another potentially elite athlete is following a similar path – just without the same spotlight. His name? Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes’s breakout safety and one of the most exciting (and underutilized) players in the country.
Downs has already cemented himself as one of the top defensive backs entering the 2025 season. Valued at $2.4 million in NIL worth, the former Alabama standout is a proven game-changer.
In 2023, he racked up 77 tackles in the SEC. A year later, he notched 81 with the Buckeyes and played a key role in their National Championship win.
But there’s more to Downs than just elite defense. In high school, he totaled 1,975 all-purpose yards and 34 touchdowns, showing serious potential as a running back. That offensive spark remains largely untapped – something that could change the trajectory of his college career and draft stock.
Despite his versatility, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has resisted using Downs on offense.
“I think right now we’re focused on Caleb being the best safety in America and doing his job there… I don’t think we’re quite there where we need to get involved with him in the run game just yet,” Day said last season. That decision might need revisiting.
Analyst J.D. PicKell pushes for two-way role
In a June 8 analysis video, On3’s J.D. PicKell argued that putting the ball in Downs’ hands would raise his national profile and help Ohio State tap into his full potential.
“It’d be cool,” PicKell said. “But the thing that I think is maybe most impactful – if you got him the football – he would then have the proper amount of attention as to what he does for you on Saturdays.”
He even compared Downs’ situation to Michigan legend Charles Woodson, who gained national attention not just from defense, but from clutch offensive plays.
“It wasn’t like [Woodson] had this Travis Hunter kind of season,” PicKell said. “He got attention because he made some plays on offense.”
CBS Sports’ early 2026 mock draft projects Downs to be the first defensive back off the board, heading to the Las Vegas Raiders. That would reunite him with Chip Kelly, his former offensive coordinator. The report praised Downs’ elite athleticism and playmaking instincts, stating:
“Downs has not been overhyped this summer – he’s just that good. I really liked Malaki Starks last draft cycle, and I have Downs graded higher.”
PicKell added that Downs could play at “80 percent of his current level” and still be a top-tier college player.
Caleb Downs isn’t Travis Hunter – at least not yet. But he has the tools to build a legacy just as remarkable. If Ohio State unlocks his two-way potential, the college football world could be looking at a once-in-a-generation weapon hiding in plain sight.
The question isn’t whether Downs can handle the challenge. It’s whether Ryan Day is ready to let him.
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