Ohio State is poised as one of the nation’s top college football teams heading into Saturday’s season-finale rivalry matchup against the Michigan Wolverines.
This past Saturday, the Buckeyes notched a dominant 38-15 win over the No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers. Ryan Day’s squad is now 10-1 with just one game remaining in the 2024 regular season.
Alabama transfer Caleb Downs played a significant role in the Buckeyes’ win over Indiana. In addition to his impressive defensive play as a lockdown defensive back, the former five-star recruit also took a punt return to the house for a touchdown.
Downs has been one of the best defenders in the country in 2024. And on Tuesday, the sophomore DB was recognized for his play.
Downs was announced as one of three finalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, recognizing the defensive player of the year in college football. Downs joins Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter and Colorado defensive back Travis Hunter.
Ohio State football shared the announcement with a post on X.
Downs was also announced as one of the three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing the top defensive back in college football. Texas’ Jahdae Barron and Georgia’s Malaki Starks were announced as the other two finalists.
Through 11 games this season, Downs has 30 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks and three passes defended.
Downs and the Buckeyes are listed as 20.5-point favorites over Michigan in Saturday’s rivalry matchup at Ohio Stadium. The game is scheduled to kickoff at noon EST.
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