Sportsvival breaks down the top prospects destined for the 2026 NFL Draft class, spotlighting breakout stars poised to make an immediate impact. From game-wreckers to steady two-way contributors, we’ll explain what makes these players exciting and what to watch for as draft day approaches.
Today we profile:
S – Caleb Downs Ohio State
6’0” 205 lbs.
Born: 12-10-2004
Caleb Downs grew up in Georgia and made his name at Mill Creek High School, where he was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the most coveted defensive backs in the country. He began his college career at Alabama, where he led the team in tackles as a true freshman and earned Freshman All-American honors. Following Nick Saban’s retirement, Downs transferred to Ohio State and immediately became the Buckeyes’ defensive centerpiece.
Downs plays with a rare blend of polish and instinct. He’s a true Swiss Army knife in the secondary — capable of lining up deep, covering the slot, or crashing the box. His football IQ is off the charts, and he rarely takes a false step. In 2024, he posted 82 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups, while also contributing as a punt returner. He entered 2025 as a preseason All-American and has continued to impress with his leadership and playmaking.
Strengths
He diagnoses plays quickly and reacts with precision, his anticipation is elite.
Downs is a reliable tackler in space and delivers clean, physical hits without drawing flags.
He’s versatile enough to play every safety role and even moonlight as a nickel corner.
His range and closing speed allow him to erase deep threats and jump underneath routes.
He’s a natural communicator who helps align the secondary and adjust coverages pre-snap.
Weaknesses
He’s not the biggest safety, and may struggle against oversized tight ends in man coverage.
While solid in zone, he can be baited by double moves or late-breaking routes.
His ball production is good but not elite — he’ll need to convert more breakups into turnovers.
He hasn’t played much true single-high coverage, which some NFL schemes demand.
Player Profile
Downs is the kind of safety who makes a defense smarter and faster. He’s not just a highlight-reel player — he’s a steady, every-down contributor who rarely makes mental mistakes. His transition from Alabama to Ohio State has only sharpened his game, and he’s now one of the most complete defensive backs in college football. With his pedigree, versatility, and leadership, Downs projects as a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect in the 2026 class.
Pro Comparison
Minkah Fitzpatrick — Downs shares Fitzpatrick’s versatility, instincts, and ability to impact the game from multiple alignments.
Final Thoughts
Sportsvival sees Caleb Downs as one of the safest bets in the 2026 draft. He’s a cerebral, physical, and adaptable safety who can anchor a secondary from day one. If he continues to grow his ball skills and proves he can handle deep coverage responsibilities, he’ll be a top-10 lock. In the right system, Downs could be the kind of player who earns Pro Bowl nods and becomes the heartbeat of a defense.