Caleb Downs is the best defensive player in college football. He might've had that title in 2024 as well, but he's definitely the most impactful player on defense for the defending champions. He also serves as a punt returner, too, which is just one of the many ways he impacts a team.
Downs is a safety, but he does other things on defense. He's truly a do-it-all player, which includes the special teams work, which has one CBS Sports analyst wondering if he might not be capable of playing on offense, too.
Tom Fornelli heaped praise on Downs after labeling him the preseason All-American at safety. "A Swiss Army Knife of a defender, Downs is listed as a safety, but he's not limited to it. The Alabama transfer saw snaps at corner last year, in the slot, in the box and lined up deep as a traditional safety," he said.
The analyst added, "He's a defensive coordinator's dream because you can move him around and rely on him to get the job done. Downs is also a force on special teams, returning six punts last year, including one for a touchdown against Indiana. Who knows? Maybe we'll see him get snaps on offense this year, too."
It is highly unlikely that Ohio State ever uses Downs on offense. Two-way players, even those who only dabble, are incredibly rare, and Downs doesn't have an offensive skill set. If anything, due to his good punt returns, he might be able to take a handoff, but that probably wouldn't be all that successful. Still, it's fun to imagine.