Downs Ready to Run it Back in Columbus

Downs Ready to Run it Back in Columbus originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

When a team wins a national championship, expectations don’t just rise, they reset completely. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, coming off a phenomenal 2024 season capped by a national title, the 2025 campaign brings fresh challenges, new faces and a different reality.

At the heart of this transition stands junior safety Caleb Downs, who is both the defensive cornerstone and a calming veteran presence.

“We have a great opportunity to let our younger players grow up in games and have a chance to go out and prove themselves,” Downs said recently. “That’s really not us anymore,” he added, referencing the experienced, star-studded 2024 roster. “And that’s OK. We accept the reality and the challenges that come with it.”

The Buckeyes have plenty to look forward to, and Downs intends to make sure they handle it the right way.

"We have a great opportunity to let our younger players grow up in games and have a chance to go out and prove themselves."@OhioStateFB’s Caleb Downs on the 2025 season bringing new faces and fresh challenges after last year’s natty.#B1GFootballpic.twitter.com/v9PPIl9hFH

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 23, 2025

Downs, a unanimous All-American last season, will be one of the most important players on head coach Ryan Day's roster. After transferring from the Alabama Crimson Tide, he had a breakout sophomore season in 2024, tallying 82 tackles and two interceptions while earning respect for his playmaking, poise and intelligence in the secondary. Now, he's stepping into a bigger leadership role. He’s aware of the gaps left by departing stars, but he’s confident about what lies ahead.

“We know we lost a lot of talent. That’s part of playing at Ohio State,” Downs said. “But that’s why we recruit the way we do. It’s our time now to grow, to compete and to step up.”

His message is clear: The Buckeyes won’t shy away from roster turnover; they’ll embrace it.

Ohio State was hit hard by early entries into the 2025 NFL Draft. Fourteen players left for the league, including key starters like quarterback Will Howard, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, guard Donovan Jackson and running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.

That kind of talent drain left the Buckeyes with more questions than answers heading into spring camp and summer workouts.

Even with Downs back as the anchor of the defense, Ohio State’s 2025 schedule is loaded with teams capable of testing their young core:

Michigan Wolverines – Even after Jim Harbaugh’s departure, Michigan beat Ohio State last season. The Game is always physical and high-stakes. Expect another playoff-level battle. The game is at Ann Arbor on Nov. 29.

Texas Longhorns – With Arch Manning expected to start, Texas could bring one of the most explosive offenses Ohio State sees all year. This is the first game of the season.

Penn State Nittany Lions – Penn State’s offensive weapons and improving line play could cause problems. James Franklin always has his teams prepared. This game is played at home on Nov. 1.

If the Buckeyes’ defense isn’t sharp, any of these games could derail their playoff hopes.

Ohio State opens the season at noon Aug. 30 against Texas on Fox Sports.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.