Yesterday, Caleb Downs posted three words to Instagram that sent scouts reaching for their draft boards: "PT. 3 Loading."
The Ohio State safety officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, surprising absolutely no one who's watched him terrorize Big Ten offenses for the past two seasons. What might surprise you: he could become the first safety drafted in the top ten since the Jets took Jamal Adams at No. 6 back in 2017.
That's not a knock on safety prospects. That's how rare Downs is.
The Alabama detour that changed everything
Downs arrived at Tuscaloosa in 2023 as a five-star recruit from North Little Rock, Arkansas. He played like a senior from day one. Led the SEC in solo tackles. Earned Freshman of the Year honors. Then Nick Saban retired, and Downs made the decision that would define his college career—he transferred to Columbus.
Some called it jumping ship. The results called it genius.
Two years at Ohio State. Two unanimous All-American selections. A national championship in 2024. This past season, he won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back while leading a defense that allowed just 9.3 points per game—best in the country.
The numbers that matter
Downs finished 2025 with 68 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack. But stats don't capture what he does. Watch the film: he reads quarterbacks before they finish their progressions. He closes on receivers with violent precision. He's 6-foot, 205 pounds, and plays like he's got a personal grudge against anyone who enters his zone.
Jordan Reid at ESPN has him projected in the top ten. Pro Football Focus ranks him as their No. 1 overall prospect. Yahoo Sports' mock draft slots him at No. 9 to Kansas City as the second defensive back off the board.
"After a lot of prayer and reflection, I have decided to declare for the NFL Draft," Downs wrote on Instagram. "I'm grateful for this chapter and proud to forever be a Buckeye."
Where does he land?
The Cincinnati Bengals hold the No. 10 pick after their disastrous season. Their defense needs a complete rebuild, and Downs would be the cornerstone around which to build it. The Chiefs at nine need secondary help too. The Raiders, picking higher, love versatile defenders.
If Downs goes in the top ten, he'd be the first Ohio State safety to do so since Donte Whitner went eighth overall in 2006. The highest a Buckeye safety has ever been drafted.
Twenty years is a long wait. Downs might be worth it.