Ohio State’s Caleb Downs Captures 2025 Jim Thorpe Award
COLUMBUS, OH – This season has showcased the Ohio State Buckeyes’ remarkable defensive prowess, with a standout player at its core: All-America junior safety Caleb Downs. Downs has further enhanced his impressive credentials by receiving the esteemed Jim Thorpe Award, a significant individual accolade that annually recognizes the nation’s best defensive back.
Downs now joins rare and elite company in Ohio State lore, becoming just the third winner of the Thorpe Award in program history. He steps into a lineage previously occupied by legends Antoine Winfield (1998) and Malcolm Jenkins (2008). And this, remarkably, is just another line on his ever-growing list of awards and achievements in a truly sensational 2025 season.
Consider the sheer volume of recognition Downs has garnered:
- He was crowned the Big Ten’s Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year, and for an unprecedented second consecutive season, the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year.
- Just Sunday, he added the Lott IMPACT Trophy to his collection. This award uniquely recognizes not only on-field performance but also academic standing, community contributions, leadership, and overall character. It’s a testament to the complete package Downs represents.
- He was also a finalist for the Nagurski and Bednarik Awards, both of which honor the nation’s top overall defensive player.
- Beyond the individual accolades, Downs was nominated as Ohio State’s candidate for the 2025-26 Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award, recognizing Big Ten student-athletes who excel in both competition and community impact.
His brilliance hasn’t gone unnoticed by the selectors of All-America teams, as Downs has been named to the first team of every All-America squad released thus far, including the prestigious Walter Camp All-America team, CBS Sports, and On3.
The praise from his coaches is just as emphatic. Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Tim Walton, a man with 11 years of NFL coaching experience, didn’t hold back.
“I have spent 11 years coaching in the NFL and Caleb Downs is the best football player – pro or college – that I have ever coached,” Walton said. “He is first-class and exceptional in all areas he touches.” That’s a statement that speaks volumes about Downs’ talent and character on and off the field.
On the field, Downs’ impact is undeniable. He’s third on the team in tackles this season with 60 total stops for the 12-1 Buckeyes, who are a defensive juggernaut, ranking first nationally in total defense, scoring defense, and passing yardage, and an impressive sixth in rushing defense. Downs is also second among Buckeyes with 40 solo tackles, and his season totals include five tackles for loss, a quarterback sack, two interceptions, two pass break-ups, and a quarterback hurry.
His two seasons with the Buckeyes have been instrumental in building one of the nation’s most formidable defenses. Last year, en route to a 14-2 overall record and the College Football Playoff national championship, the Buckeyes boasted the nation’s No. 3-ranked pass defense and No. 1 scoring defense. This season, the unit has somehow been even better, allowing 38 yards less per game passing and surrendering a mere six touchdown passes – the least in the entire country. To put their aerial defense into perspective, only one of Ohio State’s 13 opponents this season has managed to pass for 200 or more yards in a game.
Beyond the field, Downs is also an OSU Scholar-Athlete, majoring in real estate and urban analysis in the Fisher College of Business, proving that excellence truly spans every aspect of his life.
Caleb Downs isn’t just a defensive back; he’s a phenomenon. His Thorpe Award, alongside his mountain of other honors, solidifies his place as one of the most impactful and well-rounded athletes in college football. The Buckeyes are genuinely fortunate to have a player who dominates on the field, excels in the classroom, and leads with impeccable character.
Downs will help lead the No. 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff (CFP), as they will await the winner of the will face the winner of the Texas A&M vs. Miami first round game in the quarterfinals at the Cotton Bowl on December 31.
