2026 OSU Draft Watch: Caleb Downs Could Be First Safety No.1 Overall In 70 Years
Plus, a look at the top 10 draft-eligible Buckeyes for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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TOP 10 DRAFT-ELIGIBLE OSU PROSPECTS FOR 2026
Location: Columbus, Ohio || Conference: B1G || Head Coach: Ryan Day (6 Years: 70-10) || NFL Draft Picks Under Day: 50 (8.33/year) || NFL 1st Round Picks Under Day: 14 || OSU in NFL: 68
RANK | PLAYER | POSITION | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
1. Caleb Downs, S, Jr, 5116, 205, 4.49e (photo: OSU Athletics)
Evaluation: A key cog during the Buckeyes national championship run, Downs was sure to make his presence felt during his first season in Columbus, after transferring over from Alabama. The five-star recruit has delivered on the hype,
registering 189 total tackles through his first two seasons, while making a bushel of stops behind the line of scrimmage (12 tackles for loss). What makes Downs one of the premier prospects for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft are his cunning instincts, high football IQ and elite athleticism. His quick closing speed enables him to be a factor against the run and he provides stealth pass coverage. Aside from some open-field tackling issues that occasionally show up, there is little that Downs can’t do. This season, he will be counted on to assume a larger leadership role as one of the more experienced players. The Georgia native is known to be an extremely hard worker and stems from a family tree of NFL hierarchy, including his father, running back Gary Downs, brother Josh Downs and uncle Dre Bly. It has been 70 years since the last time a safety was drafted number one overall (Gary Glick) but Downs could ignite the conversation.
Background: Unanimous First-Team All-American as a sophomore at OSU. Was First-Team All-SEC at Alabama as a true freshman (became first freshman ever to lead Alabama in tackles). Majoring in sports industry. The son of Tanya and Gary Downs, father was a running back for Giants, Broncos and Falcons. His sister, Kameron, is in medical school at Wake Forest. Brother, Josh, is a wide receiver on the Colts. Uncle, Dre Bly, was a two-time Pro Bowl selection at cornerback and a Super Bowl XXXIV champion.
Carnell Tate, WR, Jr, 6021, 191, 4.48e
Sonny Styles, LB, Sr, 6036, 235, 4.38e
Max Klare, TE, rJr, 6041, 240, 4.74e
Beau Atkinson, ER, rJr, 6055, 265, 4.70e
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Sr, 6016, 193, 4.54e
Arvell Reese, LB, Jr, 6032, 238, 4.65e
Ethan Onianwa, OT, rSr, 6056, 345, 5.120e
Brandon Inniss, WR, Jr, 6002, 203, 4.50e
CJ Donaldson, RB, Sr, 6010, 238, 4.64e