Buckeyes Now

Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Joins Jeremiah Smith, Sheds Black Stripe

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs has become the third new player on the team to shed his black stripe.

Matt Galatzan

Mar 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) stretches during the
Mar 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) stretches during the / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

The Ohio State Buckeyes landed perhaps the biggest addition of any team in the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason, with former Alabama star safety Caleb Downs signing with the program.

And now, Downs is 'officially' a Buckeye, becoming the third new player on the team to shed his black stripe, joining freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith - who was the first of the group to do so - and walk on receiver Brennen Schramm.

Downs shed his stripe after six practices. Smith set the program record by having his stripe removed after just four practices.

The Black Stripe was first implemented by Urban Meyer in 2012. Players are only allowed to shed their black stripes once they have proven themselves to be a dedicated and hard-working team players.

And by all accounts, Downs is exactly that.

Mar 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) stretches during the
Mar 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) stretches during the / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

“I just love the program here, I love Coach Walton, and love what the people had to say around here," Downs said in February. "I believe in Coach Day, and I believe in this team.”

With Downs now in the fold, the Buckeyes' secondary is arguably the best in the country, with the former Alabama All-American Candidate joining Lathan Ransom at safety, Jordan Hancock, Denzel Burke, and Davison Igbinosun manning the three corner spots. 

The Buckeyes will also return the majority of one of the top front sevens in the nation, with J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Tyliek Williams, Ty Hamilton manning the front, and Cody Simon and converted safety Sonny Styles at linebacker.

“They played great defense last year, he said. “Just watching the film and seeing how they progressed and seeing how their defense played last year definitely helped me make a sound decision and what I would be getting into.”

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Matt Galatzan
MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan is the Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com, AllAggies.com, and the Managing Editor of BuckeyesNow.com and TheGroveReport.com He is also the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com and TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @MattGalatzan For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com

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