Sophomore safety Caleb Downs (2) runs the ball during the No. 2 Buckeyes matchup against No. 5 Indiana on Saturday at the Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes came out victorious with a final score of 38-15. Credit: Carly Damon | Asst. Photo Editor
Ohio State standout safety Caleb Downs is being nationally recognized for his impressive sophomore season.
Downs has been named a finalist for two national awards: The Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the best defensive back in college football, and the Chuck Bednarik Award, awarded annually to the best defensive player in the country, according to ESPN.
Winners will be announced Dec. 12 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
The last time a Buckeye won the Thorpe Award was in 2008, when Malcolm Jenkins was named best defensive back. In 2019, legendary Ohio State defensive lineman Chase Young took home the Bednarik Award honors.
Downs is currently third on the team in total tackles with 50, also recording 3 passes defended and 0.5 sacks on the season.
Downs is also the team’s primary punt returner, having recently notched a 79-yard punt return touchdown in Ohio State’s 38-15 win over Indiana Saturday.
