Ohio State 'Team to Watch' for Five-Star Alabama Transfer Caleb Downs: Report

The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the running for arguably the best player to enter the transfer portal this offseason.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are reportedly one of two teams in serious contention for arguably the best available player in the portal.

Per reports from On3, Ohio State and Georgia and in a two-team running for Alabama defensive back transfer Caleb Downs, who just entered the transfer portal on Wednesday. The Hoschton, GA native is the No. 1 overall player in 247Sports' transfer rankings and is one of just five on the list with a five-star ranking.

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The Buckeyes were a finalist to land Downs during his recruitment in the 2023 class before he chose the Tide.

He is just one of many Alabama players to enter the portal after the retirement of Nick Saban but might be the best of that bunch. In his first collegiate season this past year, he posted 107 total tackles (70 solo), one forced fumble, three passes defended and two interceptions. He was also a threat on special teams with four punt returns for 87 yards and a touchdown, with this production coming exclusively on his 85-yard punt return for a score in Bama's win over Chattanooga.

He lived up to his five-star billing as a freshman and can only go up from here. Unfortunately for Ohio State, On3's report indicates that Georgia has the "upper hand" for Downs, but anything can happen between now and when he announces his decision.

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If Downs does choose the Buckeyes, they'd be getting an elite playmaker on defense and special teams. Ohio State will need all the talent it can get this offseason to bounce back from what the program and it's fans would consider a disappointing season.